James " Michael " Beaver

James “Michael” Beaver, 81, of Mount Gilead, formerly of Kannapolis, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at Duke University Hospital after a period of declining health.

Michael was born on May 18, 1941 in Cabarrus County. He was a son of the late Mack Kenneth Beaver and Rozella Virginia Herman Beaver.

Michael was an Army veteran who served the United States bravely from 1966- 1968. He was a part of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment. Michael spent the majority of his career working as a Special Events Coordinator for Coca- Cola. Retiring in 2003 after 33 years with the company. His work brought him a lot of joy. Michael was always a people person and never met a stranger. Working for Coca-Cola gave him the opportunity to meet new people when he worked events such as ones for the Charlotte Motor speedway. After retiring he was able to take trips with the love of his life, Faye. They especially liked to visit Shenandoah Crossing in VA. Michael had a wonderful sense of humor and always kept his family and friends laughing. When he wasn’t telling jokes he acted as the family referee when it came to sport team loyalty. He never took a side, but always help keep the peace. Michael had a hobby of mowing lawns at Lake Tillery Twin Harbor Camping Resort. The project began with a few lawns ands quickly grew. He was known as the “Coca-Cola Man” and had a very impressive collection of Coca-Cola Memorabilia that he called the museum. He was a warm, funny and kind person that will truly missed by all who knew him.

Those left to cherish his memory include the love of his life of 60 years, Faye Beaver; son, Scott Beaver (Donna); daughter, Cindy Stillwell (Walter), honorary daughter, Lisa Fryer Baildon (Jerry); grandchildren, Jordan, Michael and Mackenzie Stillwell, Andrew Watkins, Aaron and Christopher Beaver and Davis Tiffany; and one great-grandson, Callahan Watkins; sister, Rose Marie Beaver Hollon (Marty); brother, Harold “Jimmy” Deal (Judy Ann) and Jerry Deal (Joyce); brothers that preceded him in death, Bobby Deal (Lilly) and Johnny Beaver (Janice); along with his adopted family of 9 children of Earl and Kitty Shaver and their children and spouses. 

A service will be held at 7:00 pm Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at Central Baptist Church in Kannapolis with Rev. Dean Hunter and Rev. Curtis Parker officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior from 6:00-7:00 pm. A graveside service will follow on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 1:00 with full military honors at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis

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