I was blessed to know Mike as a part of the Gideon  ministry.  He was so faithful to come to Franklin County  and speak at church  services.  We could always depend  on him every  year, over many years!  Then we would see him at the Henry  County  Rally each year.  He was a true servant  and made an impact  as he accepted  the call in the Gideon  ministry.  Deepest sympathy,  Lee A. Flora, Rocky  Mount.

I am so sorry for your loss, but I know that he is happy now with the Lord! I knew him in the 80's and enjoyed his services. One day I was at his office on King Mt. Rd. and was so excited because I was there with my mother, Vivian Minter, myself (Shawn Harbour), my son Steven Harbour and my granddaughter Brittany Harbour! He said that he had never had 4 generations at any time in his office! He had his nurse take a picture of all of us with him. I don't know if you still have that picture, but if you do I would love to have a copy for keepsake! My God bless you and your son's.           Shawn

Family and Friends,  So sorry for your loss. May God give you Comfort and Strength during this difficult time and in the days ahead.  He was a Great Dentist and  a very nice man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  God Bless 🙏🏽✝️

Tim Lavinder & Family,
Please know you and your family are being thought of and prayed for during this time.

I hope you’re able to find moments of peace and rest as you grieve, and comfort in the assurance that G-d is near.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” ( John 14:27)

May G-d’s presence surround you with strength and quiet comfort in the days ahead.

With sympathy,
Alex & Mark Bargney

We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing.   Our friendship began at FBCC.  Then each member of our family was taken care of in his dental practice for over 30 years.  He was a kind, gentle man who gave much to the  community.  Blessings to you all, Tom and Ellen Prato

Dear Mrs. Lavinder,
I was heartbroken to hear about your husband’s passing. I wanted to take a moment to share what he meant to me — not just as my dentist, but as someone who genuinely shaped the way I felt about coming home. Dr. Lavinder was my dentist from the time I was about eight years old. I’m 50 now, and even though I lived in different places over the years, I always came back to him whenever I returned home. There was something comforting and grounding about seeing him again — he was a thread of continuity, kindness, and care in my life. When I sat in his chair, I felt safe, respected, and in good hands. He wasn’t just a great dentist — though he truly was. Another clinic once complimented the work he had done on me and asked who had done such a good job. But more than his skill, what stood out was his integrity and his warmth. I believe he genuinely loved helping people, and it showed every time I saw him.
There are few professions where a relationship can span 40 years, even if only twice a year. That kind of longevity creates something more than just a doctor-patient connection — it creates a kind of chosen family. That’s how I’ll always remember him. I hope you feel the impact he had on so many lives. I’m grateful to have known him and to have been one of the many people he cared for so well.
With deepest sympathy and heartfelt gratitude, Stacy Barbour Stewar

DR Lavinder was best dentist in the world! So kind and patient...prayers for family, I know you will miss him.

Debbie, and to the four sons and spouses, and grandchildren, so sorry to hear of your loss. 
I went to school with Mike for yrs and then he was my dentist for over 20 years and when I would go in for a visit, he always talked about his family so proud of them and then I hated to hear about him being sick the last few yrs I prayed for him much and prayed for Debbie  and the family. And then I got the news of his graduating to heaven. I know you will miss him something terribly, but he is cancer free and he is with the one who saved him and you all have the chance to see him again as do I. Prayers  for the family and all during these next few difficult days. God bless you all. Mike was a good Godly man. His work on earth is done. 🙏🏼💙 rest in peace my friend! 
Karen Orr

My husband and I thought the world of Dr. Lavinder. He was our dentist for many years, and a great one he was. Our many years with him afforded us the opportunity to get to know him personally, and it was our pleasure and honor to get to know him and love him. He will be missed, but we know he is with the Lord and suffers no more. Deepest condolences to his entire family.

Dear Deborah, children, and grandchildren, 

Please know that your family has been in our prayers.  Mike was such a gentle and kind man.  He had lots of godly wisdom to share to all who would hear.  He loved and cherished his family.  He will be greatly missed, but we know that he’s entered that eternal rest with a glad reunion day ahead.  Prayers and love, Billy, Melodie, Chandler, and Ethan

OBITUARY

Michael Eugene Lavinder

31 July, 1953 – 30 December, 2025

Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home

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