Mike Ables

Mike Ables, 69, of Hayesville went home to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, March 7, 2019. He was a native of Apopka, Florida, where he lived most of his life and was a graduate of Apopka Memorial High School Class of “67”. Mike began his career as a volunteer firefighter before becoming a professional firefighter. Mike retired in 1983 following 18 years on the job. Mike and his wife later owned and operated their own retail florist for 20 years. He moved to Hayesville in 2007, where he was a faithful member of Moss Memorial Baptist Church and worked in Vacation Bible School. He was a sports fan and loved watching his granddaughter play lacrosse the most. Mike enjoyed Civil War Reenactments and gospel music. Mike never met a stranger and was known as the local weatherman and walking encyclopedia and “a wealth of useless information”.

Mike loved the Lord and his prayer and hope were that family, friends, and all would come to the knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

He was the son of the late James Preston and Frances Wylie Ables. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Ables.

Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Mary Tryon Ables; a daughter, Mendy Ables Hendren of Longwood, Florida; a son, Matthew Nelson Stephens and wife, Carly of Apopka, Florida; five grandchildren, Madison Jane Hendren, Skyla Rose Griswold, Blane Joseph Stephens, Faith Mary Stephens, and Trinity Mae Stephens; a special sister-in-law, Barbara Jean Caruthers of Hiawassee, Georgia; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2019 in the Moss Memorial Baptist Church with the Revs. Charles Shelton, Johnny Foster, Derek Tilley, and Eddie Duckworth officiating. The interment was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Preston Woody, Mike Dalton, Carl Maxwell, Paul Rohs, Billy Swofford, and Joe Jack Sellers.

The family received friends from 1-2:45 Sunday afternoon, March 17 at the Moss Memorial Baptist Church prior to the services.

Memorials can be made to Moss Memorial Baptist Church, PO Box 1198, Hayesville, NC 28904 to help with funeral expenses.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.