Mike was my theatre teacher at Independence, he helped me through two of the most impactful times of my life; my parents' divorce and the loss of one of our castmates. A few years later, when I was deciding to make acting my major/profession, he met me for coffee and helped me again. I've had a 20+ year journey in the arts and he was at the start. The example of empathy and the personal advice he gave me is not forgotten. I wish you peace, Mike. I will continue to take you with me when I step on stage. My love and prayers to Mike's family.

Mike, the Guest Book will close in a few days.  The memories will never close.  I've enjoyed reading again the legacies of love, laughter and faith you left for so many.  Shalom

Tragic to hear about what happened and I always wondered what happened since I was looking for you one last time/help for my Public Speaking class this summer semester but no one could tell me until I found out about now. I remember when I started back in the Fall of 2012, I always asked for you when I was at the writing center whenever I had trouble writing an assignment or picking one for English 111 & 112 and I'm glad you got me to where I needed to be for those courses. I wished you were my instructor for the Spring & Summer semester of 2013 but at least we got to know each other well. I'm off to Charlotte this fall and I just want to say thank you for everything and for the English/Scottish knowledge you've taught me so far at the Writing Center. Hopefully one day I get to go to Scottland or Ireland later on in life. Prayers & condolences to the Farmer Family. Descansa en Paz.

It was quite a journey my friend, I will miss you a lot...

To the Family of Mike:
I was so privileged to have worked with Mike at Gaston College. He was a true inspiration and friend. I always felt so happy to see him, and we always departed ways laughing. Mike will be missed so much, but God has a new Shakespeare actor, who will put smiles on the faces of folks in heaven. 
Thank you for sharing your wonderful Mike with us!

Love,
Jessica S.

Mike was a classmate of mine at Ashbrook High School. He excelled at many subjects and it was a pleasure to watch him act.  My prayers are with you, Mrs Farmer, Mandy, and the rest of Mike's family as you go through this difficult time. May Mike rest in peace and rise in glory.

Mr. Farmer was my professor last semester for English. He was a wonderful man and showed his passion for the subject in how he taught the class. Not only that, but he tried his best to connect with his students as much as he could. I wasn't an exception. I grew quite close with him before his passing and I give my condolences to the family, Mrs. Farmer, especially. He always tried his best to better his students. He was a wonderful man, talented as well.

Well the Heavens have a new "star"!.  Watched Mike in many shows with the Abbey Players - a definite charmer!  Well, Mike, you have Angels wings now - enjoy soaring to new heights!  Peace!

He was a great man, and he was a great professor.

To Mike's family - I studied English with Mike at Belmont Abbey and his passion for language that touched the soul was always evident. That's why words are so futile right now. I was to join him in the recitation and lecturing on poetry in the near future at Gaston College. I do believe that even looking on from a distance these past years I could see that Mike continued to live his life as a love sonnet, or a rousing stage performance or long lined poem of the Romantics where the one living it sought to "see into the life of things." He was a lover of beauty and unlike so many artists of our day, he never shunned the metaphysical and knew full well that his "humbled bones rejoiced." He radiated God's love. It is so gratifying to see and hear from so many whose lives he touched. William Blake said, "We are put on earth a little space that we may learn to bear the beams of love." Mike bore them well. I am so proud to have known him here and, as my tradition says, "May perpetual light shine upon him."

Growing up with Mike at Parkwood Baptist in Gastonia, we shared many rehearsals and performances of choirs, handbells, recorders and brass.  Even at that age, Mike's talent was manifest.  In Scouts, under the gentle tutelage of Mike's father, we learned many lessons together.  As Senior Patrol Leader, Mike also taught me much, with the same patient kindness that is shown in other notes that I have read here.  Reflecting on those times, I have so, so many warm memories of Mike.  Mrs. Farmer, Mandy and Fred, my prayers are with you, and much love.

I had the privilege of getting to know Mike when he taught as an adjunct professor at Belmont Abbey College. I remember his personal warmth and also his enthusiasm for literature, especially Hamlet. Mike was very excited when he got to teach that play! Please know of my prayers for Mike's family and friends.

I am thankful for having known and performed with this wonderful spirit. He always had something to give whether it was encouragement or simply just a smile.

Mike was a fierce friend, and I had the honor of working with him in a couple of shows, but the most memorable would be "Jacques Brel is alive and well and living in Paris". I will miss you, but you will always be with me in my heart and memories. My prayers go out to his family, know that Mike was loved and cherished by so many. Safe journey dear friend.

Dear Mrs. Farmer and Family,
Mike was a faithful and encouraging friend through junior high school and high school.  My heart aches for your loss and you are in my prayers.

My deepest sympathy for this profound loss. May you feel God's peace and grace during this time of grief.

Debbie and I send out condolences to his mother, sister and brother-in-law. He was a talented human being who brought happiness into so many lives, including ours. I had the privilege and fun of directing him in many shows, and being his friend as well as his teacher. He spoke so often of his love for his family, and I hope that the knowledge of that love is some consolation for this terrible loss. So many share your pain.

My heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Farmer. May God comfort you during this difficult  time.(2Cor.1:2-4)

"It is my honor and privilege to have known Mike in two areas - first, in theatre many years ago; more recently, as a fellow Methodist Layperson in the Western Conference.  He delivered the most powerful Laity Address in August at the Gathering of the Laity at Lake Junaluska, and graciously accepted our invite to share that witness at First Church, Charlotte.  As I stepped off the elevator in my church on Wed, my Senior Pastor, Val turned to give me a hug.  She knew my grief was so raw.  My last message from Mike was a text on Jan. 1 wishing me a Happy New Year and telling me the joy he experienced at a recent  service singing, "Mary, Did You Know."  He lived his faith.  He shared his faith.  I will miss him so much, but will never forget.  My heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.
Jinny Mitchell, Charlotte, NC

I started at the Abbey in 1981 as an Assistant Professor of English, and Mike was in my first class, which was an upper-level course in Chaucer.  That same fall, I saw him in Dames at Sea, a musical revue.  When I retired from the Abbey (after 31 years), I started working at Gaston College part-time.  That's when I became reacquainted with Mike as a colleague this time, not as a student.  What I remember most about Mike was his ever-present cheerfulness.  We often sat together at department meetings and it was a comfort to me to get to know him as a friend.

To The Farmer Family,
The death of a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences a human can face. At times, the loss may seem unbearable. Mourn and grieve as you must, and do not be afraid to cry, because crying serve as an emotional release. "For everything there is an appointed time, even...a time to weep." Ecclesiastes 3:1,4. With Compassion and Loving-Kindness,

Mr. Farmer was my theatre teacher as a senior at Independence High School (2001-2002).  He was actually my inspiration to pursue theatre as a career as well as something of a model--I am now an active theatre teacher at a high school myself.  
I am sorry that I was not able to reconnect with Mr. Farmer prior to his death.  I know that I, and several others under his tutelage, was transformed by his efforts.

Knowing that someone you love has deeply touched another life is a blessing, one I'm sharing with Mike's family.  I didn't know Mike well, but my son did...he was a student of Mike's at Independence in 2000-2002.  And has since gone on to major in theater and is, today, a drama teacher himself.  I am sure that Mike's enthusiasm for his work and connection to his students put my son on his career path.  My deepest sympathies to all of Mike's family in their loss.

To the family you have my deepest sympathy. May the God of comfort strengthen you during this difficult time. (1 Peter 5:6,7)

T.T.

Mr. Farmer, was my teacher at Gaston College last year. I was privileged to learn under his wisdom and instruction. I'm now transferred and trying to earn my bachelor's degree. Mr. Farmer is still making impressions on me throughout my bachelor's process as well. He loved poetry and would delight my class with his work. He was a very sweet man, and I'm so sad to hear of his passing. By far one of the best teachers Gaston College has had. He will be greatly missed. May God bless the family and loved ones of Mike Farmer.

It is difficult to believe that you are gone but we know you are singing and dancing in heaven - prayers for courage and strength to all those loved ones you left behind - I am honored to have called you friend - RIP in the arms of the angels

Eternal rest, grant to Mike, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

My thoughts and prayers to your family during this very difficult time. It was my pleasure to know Mike through theatrical events.

Mrs. Farmer, Mandy and family, words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Mike and I recently talked. It was great to "catch up" on stuff. I am going to miss his funny clips and the way he would break into song at the drop of a hat. Please know you all are in my prayers. Love you.

OBITUARY

David Michael Farmer

November 2, 1960 – January 19, 2016

Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park

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