Michael Saunders Moritz

Michael was a devoted husband and father. He was a 1981 graduate of Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, VA, and an Eagle Scout from Troop 228 in Conover. He spent 21 years volunteering for the Conover Fire Dept. Michael’s grandfather, Walt Saunders, helped establish the Conover Fire Dept. and he was the first Fire Chief for Conover in 1942. Michael also volunteered for 10 years as assistant scout master for Boy Scout Troop 322 at FUMCC, as well as 10 years as a basketball coach for “Hoops for Christ” at FUMCC.

Michael loved his animals. Growing up he had several ponies and many dogs throughout his life. I’m sure Michael had a huge welcoming into heaven. He loved a good joke/prank. He always had a smile and never met a stranger. Michael had a way of always making you feel welcomed.

Michael was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Walt and Celia Saunders; paternal grandparents, Otto and Ruby Moritz; father-in-law, James Ray Shelton, and nephew, Matthew Bolick.

Those left to cherish his memory is his wife of 27 years, Debbie Moritz of the home; son, Kyle Moritz; daughter, Erin Moritz; father, Lee E. Moritz, Sr.; mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Saunders Moritz; brother, Lee E. Moritz, Jr. (Michele); sister, Elaine Bolick (Tim); nephews, Lee. E. Moritz III (Megan), and Jonathan Bolick (Kevin Fields); nieces, Lindsay Keisler (Corey), and Jordan Howie (Tom); great-nieces, Caroline and Cameron Howie, Olivia and Quinlan Moritz; great-nephews, Jeb and McCoy Keisler, Nathaniel and Payson Moritz; special grandmother, Mabel Lawing; dogs, Allie, Mollie and Willow.

He is also survived by mother-in-law, Brenda Shelton; brothers-in-law, Steve Shelton (Dawn) and Bryan Shelton (Monica); sister-in-law, Barbara Weaver (Brock); nieces, Ashley Carpenter (Bradley), Kayla Hughey (Kendall), Kaitlin Fish (Caleb) and Josie Shelton; nephews, Matthew Shelton (Meredith) and Alex Weaver (Logan);as well as great nieces, Parker and Reece Weaver, Bristol Houser and Laney Carpenter.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church in Conover. Rev. John Woods will be officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to: First United Methodist Church of Conover, the Conover Fire Department, or blood donations to the Red Cross. (Michael had myelofibrosis and required frequent blood transfusions).

During the last 4 months of Michael’s life, we spent a lot of time talking about our salvation and what Heaven has waiting for us. Those discussions helped to prepare us for the future. Take time to talk to your family and love them. Make sure you are prepared. Time is a priceless commodity.

The Moritz family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Conover, NC.