Michael John "Mike" Waltrip

Waltrip, Michael "Mike" John

January 27, 1947 - August 11, 2023

Michael John Waltrip ("Mike"), beloved husband, father, and friend, found peace on August 11, 2023, aged 76, in Winston-Salem, NC.

Son of Cleo Brendle and Gerald Waltrip, Mike was born – and lived most of his life – in Winston-Salem. Mike earned his BA and MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. He remained close with many of his Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers throughout his life. Mike's college years were interrupted by service in Vietnam as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Nonetheless, he valued his military experience and would joke that wartime Vietnam was a pleasant post compared to his training days in El Paso.

After the Army and Chapel Hill, Mike began a long and fulfilling career with Booke & Company (later Aon PLC) in Winston-Salem. Shortly after that, Mike met and married Janis, traded in his old tangerine Porsche for a wood-paneled station wagon, raised two children, and many pets. He spent the ensuing half century as a devoted husband and father, coaching his children's soccer teams, planning family trips, and perfecting his annual chili recipe. Though he doted on his family, Mike did not neglect his community. He was an enthusiastic volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, NC School of the Arts, and Centenary Church (including missions to Honduras).

Mike enjoyed boating at the lake, gardening, golfing with friends, and watching the Tar Heels win. He had a lifelong passion for music, sometimes running into his children at concerts at Ziggy's. Song lyrics stayed with him, along with limericks and lines from Shakespeare; all of which peppered his conversation. A leader in many aspects of life, Mike was always the first on the dance floor at weddings to lead the party in "the gator."

Mike was smart, funny, loyal, and kind. He was a true and consistent friend to many. Welcoming, genuinely interested, and unpretentious, he put people at ease. While Mike's denouement was challenging, his friends and family take comfort knowing that he is now at ease himself.

Mike is survived by his wife of 46 years, Janis; son Tom (Sarah) of Washington, DC; daughter Becca (Andrew) of Winston-Salem; and grandson Jack.

A private service and a celebration of Mike's life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memoriam may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association and the Humane Society. Condolences may be made online at www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funeral & Cremation Service

120 S Main St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101