Michael Dean Spillars

Michael Dean Spillars was taken from us suddenly on Friday, March 26, 2021 in a tragic car accident along with his childhood friend, Harvey Moore. There is a place in our hearts and home that can never be filled but we know he is with his Lord and Savior. Our words aren't adequate to describe what he meant to us. His blue eyes sparkled and he made our lives so special. He was a good man with quiet strength and a dashing smile. He loved his family with all he possessed. Michael was born on September 17, 1946 in Spindale to the late William Luther and Annie Mae Haynes Spillars. He spent his childhood in Rutherford County building friendships that lasted a lifetime and surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins whom he loved. He was a Boy Scout, a baseball player and to his parents chagrin, could work a pool table. He graduated from RS Central High School. Mike was called to serve his country in Vietnam as a Sargent in US Army, a duty and an honor he proudly carried out. He would often say his military service changed his life for the best. He left a boy and returned a man - strong, brave and certainly a hero. In 1971, Mike met the love of his life, Maria when they were in the wedding of dear friends. Upon seeing her, he proclaimed her a vision and made sure he was able to be her usher. The pair married on April 14, 1973. They welcomed a daughter, Christina and then a son, Michael, building a life filled with precious memories and home full of love. God blessed Mike's children with the best Dad in the world. He was engaged in every aspect of their lives, never missing a game, concert, or school event. He made sure he taught them well and took every chance to shower them with love. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, he worked for Duke Power Company until he joined his wife in building a commercial furniture dealership, Spillars Contract Interiors. The team worked tirelessly, side by side, partners in life and business, growing a company that brought them great joy and many wonderful friendships. Mike was an avid golfer, a love he shared with his son, brother-in-law and many special friends throughout the years. He made a hole in one at 61 as a member at Providence Country Club. In recent years he was a regular at the Wednesday game with the Head Shop Boys and we are comforted knowing that he enjoyed that this past week. He loved his church friends, being a Spindale Boy, music (especially Beach Music and Motown), Westerns, Shag dancing, crossword puzzles, and never missed the chance to use salt and pepper but mostly, he loved his family. He was a man of nicknames for those that he loved. Michael was a good son and brother. Mike was a devoted husband and a friend to many. As a wonderfully loving father, he was Daddy and Dad. A favorite uncle, he was Big Mike or Uncle Mikie. He was proudly, Papa, to his beloved grandchildren (and grand dogs) all of whom he simply adored. Mike is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Maria Haney Spillars. His daughter, Christina Spillars Meadows (Austin), son Michael Brandon Spillars (Megan) and their precious children, Greyson William, Connor James and Katherine Elizabeth, his sister, Barbara Spillars Goodman (Vic), brother, Douglas Curtis Spillars, sister-in-law, Kathy Haney Dunn (Mark), brother-in-law, Larry Haney, nieces Meggie Dunn Duda (Carl), Gina Goodman, Tina Goodman Bryant (Tyler), nephews, Aaron Dunn, Zachary Dunn (Allison), six great nieces and nephews, special cousins and two "grand" dogs Layla and Winnie. Mike is also preceded in death by brother Samuel "Sammy" Lee Spillars, in-laws Linas James and Margaret Brown Haney, and his treasured chocolate lab Maddie. A graveside service to thank God for Mike's life and to celebrate his eternal life with Jesus will be held on Good Friday, April 2, 2021 at 2pm at Evergreen Cemetery, 4426 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC. Masks and social distancing will be observed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Wounded Warrior Project or Spencer Baptist Church in Spindale, NC. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the First Responders and NC State Troopers for their service and compassion. Graveside Friday, April 2, 2021 2:00 PM Evergreen City Cemetery 4426 Central Avenue Charlotte NC 28205 United States 7043362123