ROANOKE—Colbert Farrar “Mick” Micklem, 93, of Roanoke passed away peacefully Saturday, March 28, with his family present.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Austen and Alice (Cook) Micklem; his brothers, Austen (Mickey), James (Jimmy) and Roland Micklem; his wife of 63 years, Kay (Wooten) Micklem; and his two great-grandchildren, Knox Banner Blanks and Virginia Ann Micklem.
Mick was born in Hopewell, February 11, 1933, the youngest of the four Micklem children. He was a star football player on the Hopewell High School football team. This earned him a scholarship to play at North Carolina State University where he earned his degree in recreation and later his teaching certification. Soon after Mick met the love of his life, Kay, and they married on September 10, 1960.
Mick began his employment years as a recreation director in Wilson, N.C., followed by time serving in the Army, and then as head football coach and athletic director at Bassett High School in Bassett. It was in Bassett where he accepted the opportunity to transition to a new career in furniture sales which he continued for nearly 50 years. This career change took the Micklems to Williamsburg, where they spent 25 wonderful years. From these happy years, the family made many wonderful friendships that continue to this day.
Once the children left home, Mick and Kay transitioned to Virginia’s Northern Neck where they opted for the slower pace of life on the “River.” Many more special friendships and memories were made during this time.
Mick made numerous friends and touched countless lives in every phase of his life. He loved to entertain audiences at church, community, business, sales meetings and social events with songs, jokes and stories. Mick’s friendly personality and easy demeanor drew people to him where he was loved by many. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband and loving father.
Mick is survived by his children, Rick (Kim Strubel) Eliades, Hopewell; Betsy (David) Blanks, Bloomington, Ill.; Michael (Kelly) Micklem, Roanoke; Mary-Howard (Keith) Wrenn, Huddleston; and eight grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff at Terra Bella Assisted Living for their love, care and support to both of their parents during their residence there.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on April 30 at Church of the Holy Spirit, 6011 Merriman Road, Roanoke, with a reception to follow at the church. A graveside burial will take place at noon May 1 at Maplewood Cemetery, Wilson, N.C. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.
