Michael Joseph Eads

Michael Joseph Eads

February 23, 1950 - September 21, 2023

Michael Joseph Eads passed away unexpectedly on September 21, 2023, at his home in Myrtle Beach. He had been diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a disease for which there is no cure, only a few days earlier. Mike was born in Charleston, WV on February 23, 1950 to Berchel and Elizabeth Eads. After graduation from West Virginia University, he migrated to Charlotte, NC and later to Fort Mill, SC. He retired from the Charlotte Department of Transportation where he worked his entire career.

Mike loved to fish and watch auto races. Learning from his mother, he also loved watching and identifying birds and spent many hours doing so. He was a steadfast friend and was loved by many. Mike was often the life of the party, telling crazy stories and often irreverent jokes. He was a keen observer of people and things, noticing details most of us miss. While initially hesitant to leave Cardinals' Roost, his wooded haven in Fort Mill, Mike immediately loved his new beach home and his oceanfront view. Holding his cats, reading on his iPad, watching the beautiful sunsets-this is how his last days were spent.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Martha Barnwell Sams. For more than 30 years, he treated Marti like a princess, spoiling her every day! He is also survived by his daughter, Blair Elizabeth Eads of Charleston, SC and her mother, Susan Norman Eads of Tega Cay, SC. Other survivors are Marti's daughter Ashley McClelland; grandchildren Brandon Cooper (Elayna) and McKenzie Lindberg Foster (Will); great granddaughter Ryan Laine Foster. Mike's parents and younger brother Fred Eads preceded him in death.

Michael often voiced his desire for no funeral services, but would probably not object to his friends raising a glass or two and laughing about his many tales that kept us entertained through the years. He was a good man. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.