RICHLANDS – Michael Everett Koonce, born May 5, 1956 in Richlands, NC to Travis Wendell Koonce, Sr. and Lucy Metts Koonce, died Monday, May 11, 2015.  He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Travis Koonce, Jr. of Richlands, NC.

Mike graduated from Richlands High School in 1974 and went on to pursue a B.S. in Park and Recreation from East Carolina University and graduated in 1978.  Following his education and starting his family he worked for 3 years for the Town of Garner, NC. He later worked 18 years for Lance Inc. in Eastern, NC. At the time of is death he was employed by Craven County Public Schools where he was Crew Supervisor for Yards and Grounds.

Mike was an avid outdoor sportsman who loved hunting and fishing with his family and friends, with turkey hunting being his favorite sport. He was a devoted family man who loved spending time with his wife, children and young grandchildren.  He was a long time member of the First Baptist Church, Richlands.

A Funeral Service was held on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at First Baptist Church with the Reverend Gary McAbee officiating.  Burial followed at the Koonce Family Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Kathy Brett Koonce of the home and children: son, Clay (wife Courtney), and daughter, Mandy Koonce Smith (husband Jason); and grandchildren: Hudson, Finley, and Fisher; and brothers, John Koonce and Rhonda of Pleasant Hill, and Ray and Lela Koonce of Burgaw.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 100 Rand Street, Richlands, NC  28574.

Condolences may be made at www.johnsonfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are by Johnson Funeral Home, Richlands.