Raymond Micol

Raymond Thomas Micol of Conover died Sunday March 20, 2016 at Catawba Regional Hospice. Born November 3rd, 1945 he was the son of the late Rene Micol and Eva Irene Micol of Valdese, NC. He was a graduate of Appalachian State University. He retired as an educator from Lincolnton Jr. High School in 1996 and started a career painting houses with his brother John Micol. There wasn’t much that Raymond wasn’t good at. A true jack of all trades. He spent some time in his early days working with his father in law, Lawrence Campbell, in the brick mason business, and he had his own lawn care business with his son for several successful years later on. He painted plenty of houses and rarely called a repair man to fix anything at his own house. He was a true testament to being a hard worker, and he loved God and his family as much as he loved working hard. Raymond served several years as Sunday school superintendent at Providence Road Baptist Church and Gateway Baptist Church. He also taught the adult Sunday school class for several years and led Bible school at Providence Road. Many times he was volunteering to trim the bushes or anything that he could do to keep the place looking good, or acting as secretary or treasurer as well. The man loved God and helping the church and it showed. He has impacted so many people's lives and most of us could only dream of having a testimony close to that of his. Raymond was an avid sportsman, from deer hunting to trout fishing and everything in between. He passed his love and knowledge of all his years of being an outdoors-man to his son Bradley and his step daughter Debra. They went on multiple hunting and fishing trips throughout the country that he loved and cherished. He also traveled to Europe with his daughter Angela and talked a lot about the experience. He loved playing with "Maddie May" and picking on her anytime he was around. His wife, Dolores "Dee" Micol of the home, a son, Bradley Ray Micol and wife, Paula of Lincolnton; a daughter, Angela Evon Micol and fiance Benjamin Clinton Burgess, Jr. of Newton; two step daughters, Debra Finger of Hickory and Karen Wallace and husband Rodney of Hickory; one step daughter from a second marriage twice removed, Sharon Ashby of Hickory; a grandson, Asher Jude Micol; two step grandchildren, Aaron Wallace and Nichole Jackson and two great step grandchildren survive him. In addition to his parents, his first wife, Judy Campbell Micol; a brother, John Edward Micol preceded him in death. He loved everyone in his life but his family meant more to him than any worldly possessions. His first grandson Asher was the light of his life and it was hard to keep them apart. He was just a big kid and it showed when he was around children. He would be the first to bring out the water guns or jump in the swimming pool just like one of them. He brought a youthful energy that made everyone around him feel younger than they are. He would want everyone to spend less time mourning him and more time creating new fun memories with their own families because he knew life was about making the most of every moment The funeral will be 2:30pm Wednesday at Gateway Baptist Church with Pastor Jerome Walker officiating. Burial will follow at Providence Road Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-2:30pm Wednesday at Gateway Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Catawba Regional Hospice 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658. Please sign the online guestbook at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Micol family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555.