GATES – Michael Douglas Lefler, 67, of 1809 US 13 North, Gates, died Sunday, May 4, 2014 in his home.

Mike was born in Memphis, TN on June 3, 1946 and was the son of the late Burton Douglas and Allie Beard Lefler. Retired after 25 years with the North Carolina Employment Security Commission, his job focus was as a Veterans’ Representative, training and finding employment for those who had served their county in the military. For over 30 years Mike enjoyed work as a part-time instructor in the Business Department of Roanoke-Chowan Community College in Ahoskie.

A member of Reynoldson Baptist Church, he had served as chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee, and had worked on the Prime Timers Committee, planning activities for the church’s senior members. An Eagle Scout, he had served as a Scout Master during the 1970s and 80s, was a member of the Gates Ruritan Club, and had served in the United States Air Force. A faithful volunteer with the American Red Cross, he donated 29 gallons of blood during his life, and it was through these gifts that he learned of his diagnosis of Leukemia.

Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Peggy Seiling Lefler; three sisters, Cheryl Williams, and Patti Ramsey and husband John, all of Memphis, TN, and Rosemary Hughes and husband, David, of Laurel, MS; five nephews, Paul, Greg, David, Alan, and William; and three nieces, Ashley, Angela, and Christy. Also surviving are Peggy’s family, her mother, Edith Holmes Freeman Seiling; and her brother, Billy Seiling, wife Amy and their daughters, Sara and Erin, all of Gates.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 6 at 11:00 a.m. in Reynoldson Baptist Church by the Revs. Cody Brinkley and Billy Presley. Military honors will be accorded in the church. Friends may join the family in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Red Cross, PO Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018 (online at www.redcross.org) or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 (online at www.stjude.org).

Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.