Michael John Longhurst

Michael John Longhurst, CLU, was born on March 25, 1940 in London, England, to the late Henry Alfred Longhurst and Winifred Weatherhead Longhurst. He passed away peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Michael was preceded in death by his brothers Alfred H. Longhurst and Ronald F. Longhurst.

Michael John Longhurst-- lived a life defined by integrity, trustworthiness, and an unwavering commitment to structure and discipline with no excuses.

After graduating from Borough Polytechnic Institute in London, England with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Michael worked as an engineer in London. A few years later, he was offered a short-term engineering opportunity in Charlotte, NC. Once that assignment was completed, Michael returned to London. However, after a year or so, he moved his young family back to Charlotte for a permanent assignment with Catalytic Construction Company (often referred to as simply “Catalytic”) in 1965.

A few years later after working with another company, Michael found himself out of work. During this time, Michael had a life-changing experience, which became his personal testimony.

“One day as I was driving in the mountains and saw a stream, I felt an urge to stop. I took off my shoes and walked in the water. After a while, I heard God’s voice with the words from Isaiah 45:2-3.”

After receiving this assurance from God, Michael decided to change careers. Therefore, in November 1979, Michael joined New York Life as an Insurance and Investment Advisor. Then, in 1995, he received his Charter Life Underwriting (CLU) designation. It was at New York Life, where Michael worked for 28 years and retired in 2007.

Michael was a committed and faithful member of Locust Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder, a member of the Sessions and Council, and an adult Sunday School teacher.

Michael also was actively involved in his community, where he served as President of the Charlotte Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Investment Advisors and the Charlotte Toastmasters. He also started a Toastmasters Club at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, while he was an active member of the church’s Brotherhood Ministry.

In addition, Michael was a member of the West Stanly Rotary Club, where he enjoyed serving breakfast to the residents of the Bridge to Recovery program. He also served as the Fundraising Chair of the club’s annual golf tournament.

Michael loved soccer, which he considered as “real football.” Because of his love for the sport, Michael became a soccer coach, which provided him the opportunity to inspire young athletes with his values and determination.

Beyond his professional, church, and community involvements and achievements, Michael embraced life fully with passion. His hobbies included traveling, woodworking, cheering for Manchester United Football Club and American Football, fishing, marksmanship, writing, running, and playing a good game of poker.

Michael John Longhurst-- leaves a legacy of leadership, love, and resilience. Michael indeed had a life well-lived and was a man deeply cherished by all who knew him.

Michael is survived by his loving wife Peggy Ward; his children Michele Longhurst Campbell (Greg) and Christopher Longhurst (Lisa)-- both of Fort Mill, SC; and his three granddaughters, Sarah Marie Longhurst, Alexandria Nicole Dodge (Luke), and Jessica Nicole Longhurst.

A visitation will be held on January 23, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Locust Presbyterian Church, located at 607 West Main Street, Locust, North Carolina, 28097. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 pm. A luncheon will immediately follow the service.

Family requests no flowers be sent, rather, donations can be made to Locust Presbyterian Church PO Box 277, Locust, North Carolina, 28097 or Camp Lurecrest 207 Charlotte Drive Lake Lure, NC 28746 in honor of Michael.