Mike W. Lemmons

Michael W. Lemmons, born on August 16, 1950, in Henderson County, passed away peacefully at his residence on June 5, 2024. He was a beloved husband, brother, uncle, friend, teacher, coach, and member of his community.

Mike dedicated an impressive 38 years of his life to Rugby Jr. High, later known as Rugby Middle School, where he served as a social studies teacher and football and track coach. His impact on the lives of countless students and athletes throughout his tenure is immeasurable.

A graduate with a B.A. in Education Social Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Mike's passion for teaching and sports shone brightly both in and out of the classroom. Notably, he excelled as a star athlete in track and field during his time at Hendersonville High School.  Mike signed a full football scholarship to attend UNC Chapel Hill where he played both Defensive Back and Defensive End.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mike will be fondly remembered for his love of reading, culinary skills, and leisurely walks around Lake Junaluska post-retirement.  Also, he treasured the 36 years he and Pat traveled to New England, and he held a special place in his heart for Acadia National Park.  He attended Canton Central United Methodist Church.  He often engaged in spirited conversations about Carolina sports with his nephews Jonathan and Christopher.

Among his proudest accomplishments were establishing both track and field records that still stand at Hendersonville High School and earning a four-year letterman status at UNC Chapel Hill. Mike's dedication to excellence extended into every facet of his life.

Mike's memory will forever live on in the hearts of his surviving family members and friends, his beloved wife of 49 years, Mary Pat Lemmons; brother Leonard Lemmons (Barbara); sister Susan Hutchinson (Alvin); sister-in-laws Rebecca Caldwell (Ralph), Nan Lou Langdale (Danny), brother-in-law George Patrick (Suzanne); nieces Brennan Mohsen (Daniel), Tammy Geouge (Mark), Kim Harwell (Kevin), Patience Bryson, Melissa Mobley, Lisa Lemmons; nephews Christopher Caldwell (Jordan Coppinger), Jonathan Caldwell (Becca), Ryan Langdale (Beryl Manning-Geist), Will Langdale (Kerstin), George Patrick (Carrie), Christopher Patrick (Kelly Moulder), Rick Holbert (Sherri), Steven Lemmons (Pamela), Jeff Lemmons (Dolores), Mike Lemmons (Christy); and numerous great nieces and nephews.

In addition to family, Mike leaves behind cherished friends known affectionately as "his girls Edney, Bevére, and Tune," the "ACC Crew," and the "Dream Team" teachers at Rugby. His legacy as a dedicated educator, coach, and family man will be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Gathering in Celebration of Mike Lemmons will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at the Wells Events and Reception Center.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to MANNA Food Bank, 627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville, NC  28805 or Four Seasons Hospice, 581 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC  28731 or Lake Junaluska Parks & Recreation, P.O. Box 67, Lake Junaluska, NC   28745.