Michael Wade Messick, 66, of Taylorsville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Oct. 18, 2026, at the VA Hospice Center in Salisbury, North Carolina, following an aggressive battle with cancer.

Mike was born on Dec. 1, 1959, in Seaford to William and Lorene Messick. He was raised in Seaford alongside his sister and three brothers and was a graduate of Seaford High School. At just 18 years old, Mike enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served four years on active duty as an avionics technician working on Cobra helicopters with HMA-269 at New River, North Carolina. He received an honorable discharge upon completing his enlistment.

Following his military service, Mike pursued his passion for engineering and graduated from Penn State University in 1991 with an engineering degree. He went on to work in various computer engineering roles before joining Mitsubishi, where he served as a senior computer engineer specializing in automation. Mike dedicated many years to his career with Mitsubishi, retiring only when his illness no longer allowed him to continue working.

Mike moved to North Carolina in pursuit of career opportunities, but it soon became much more than a place to work. He embraced the beauty of the Carolina mountains and made North Carolina his home. He found great joy in the outdoors, frequently hunting and hiking throughout the mountains he loved.

A determined and resourceful man, Mike was known for his strong work ethic and his ability to accomplish anything he set his mind to. One of his proudest accomplishments was building his hunting cabin single-handedly in a remote location, a testament to his independence, perseverance, and love of the outdoors.

Above all, Mike was a man of faith. He regularly read and studied the Word of God, continually growing in his faith and deepening his knowledge of his Savior and Lord. His faith was an important part of his life and a source of strength throughout his journey.

Mike was preceded in death by his beloved parents, William and Lorene Messick. He leaves behind his children, Michael; Joseph and his wife, Holly; and Emily and her husband, Chris. He was a proud grandfather to Becca, Jax, Preston, Theodore, and Hunter, who brought love and joy to his life. He is also survived by his siblings, Danny and his wife, Janet; Debbie and her husband, Randy; Mark; and Billy and his wife, Brenda, along with extended family and loved ones who will cherish his memory.

Mike will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his commitment to his work, his love of the mountains, his determination, and, most importantly, his faith in God. His life was a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the importance of building a life rooted in what matters most.

A burial service will be held on Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. at the Salisbury VA National Cemetery Annex in Salisbury, North Carolina. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Mike will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.