Michael Gregory Philyaw born December 6, 1948 to Elmer and Lois Bean Philyaw passed away peacefully under hospice care at Robbins Center in Hudson on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and his only brother Steve Philyaw. His wife Debra and son Brad Suddreth were at his bedside along with his son-in-law Steven Davis Suddreth, his sister-in-law Michele Farr and Debra's parents Garry and Lola Bradshaw.  Michael graduated with a Master's degree in Performing Arts from UNC Chapel Hill and everyone who knew him understood he was Tar Heel born and Tar Heel bred and there was only one Carolina and only one color blue.  The Tarheel blood ran through Garry, Lola and Brad as well.  The family surrounded Michael watching a contentious UNC vs Villanova game.  Michael was wearing his favorite UNC cap. He passed peacefully during the game surrounded by those who cherished him dearly.  The family helped him transition with his favorite hymn "It is Well with my Soul".

Michael lived a full and often amazing life.  After attending his beloved Lenoir High School, his family moved out of the city district and he graduated from Hudson High School.  He was blessed with friends from both Lenoir and Hudson with invitations to both high school reunions.  After high school Michael attended East Carolina University on a partial basketball scholarship, realizing he was too immature for college he came home and joined the US Navy during the Vietnam War and was a communications officer for the next four years.  He used his GI bill and went to Western Piedmont Community College and UNC Charlotte where he obtained his undergraduate degree.  He later attended his beloved UNC Chapel Hill graduating with a Masters in Performing Arts in 1981.

He had unique experiences at each school and always said he wished he could have been a life time college student.  He was intelligent, insightful, funny, kind and touched the lives of so many friends, family and students throughout his earthly journey.  He loved music, reading, movies, games, sports, and good times with friends.  After graduating from UNC in 1981 Michael traveled and acted professionally for several years on stage in Chicago and performing in several outdoor dramas including The Lost Colony in Manteo where he played the lead of Sir Walter Raleigh.  He loved the outer banks of North Carolina and introduced them to his wife Debra in the early 90's and they made several trips there with Brad, friends and family during their life together.

Michael retired from Caldwell Community College where he managed the bookstores for the Caldwell and Watauga campuses.  He taught some theater classes where every year he received high ratings from his students.

He was an avid Bocce player playing for many years in Valdese with his buddies who he loved dearly and was proud to be depicted on the Valdese town flag playing in the Waldensian Festival bocce tournament.

Unfortunately Michael began having some serious chronic health issues too early in his adult life which led to an early decline in his health.  The past several years were very challenging but he managed to enjoy life, travel as able, smile, laugh and provide his warm hugs to his family and friends whenever possible.

Michael is survived by his immediate family, cherished friends and his extended family of nephews, cousins, aunts and uncle.

He will be missed greatly but is no longer battling his chronic health challenges and is reunited with his beloved parents and brother.

A celebration of Michael's life will be held on Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at Fercott Fermentables in downtown Lenoir, NC.

Memorial donations may be made to Foothills Performing Arts, St. John's Lutheran Church of Hudson, or Helping Hands Clinic. These donations would be greatly appreciated by the family.