Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

April 24, 2021

CHARLOTTE –Michael "Mike" Allen Worley went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. He was born September 11, 1960, in Asheville, NC, to Charles Allen Worley and Anna Stout Worley. However, he spent his formative years growing up in Wrightsville Beach, NC.

Mike graduated from New Hanover High School where he set a state record for the mile run. He went on to study at North Carolina State University, majoring in business management and accounting. After graduation (where “4 of the best years of his life turned into 5 of the best years of his life”), he then moved to Charlotte to be with his new fiancé, Amelia. They had been dating for nine years at that point, having first met each other at Wrightsville Beach during the summer back when they were both in the ninth grade.

While he had moved to the Piedmont, the beach still had his heart and soul. He often traveled back to the beach and during these times he would be found seaside from sunrise to sunset body surfing, shell hunting, and many more beach activities. Mike and Amelia instilled the love of the ocean in their two children.

Over the years, Mike was an advocate and volunteer for Special Olympics, due to his older daughter having autism. He put in many countless hours of sponsorship in relation to the sport his oldest daughter was playing. Mike was always giving of his time and never one to complain about the task assigned to him.

Throughout his life, Mike was a strong advocate for animals. He often went above and beyond for them. Mike was never one to give up on an animal, even when everyone else turned their back on the creature. His dog, Lady, is a living tribute to his adoration for animals. His youngest daughter would often bring home many homeless animals, to the frustration of her parents, only to remind her father that he is the one who instilled this compassion in her.

Mike was a strong family man, who instilled strong values and morals in his children. He always provided unconditional love and support to not only his children, but his wife, pets, and extended family. Mike was also a dedicated and hard worker. He joined Duke Energy in 1999 and worked in several different departments, most recently in the Legal Department as a Senior IT Business Analyst since 2018. Mike put leadership into action by admitting his wrongs and leading by example.

Mike was diagnosed three days prior to his passing with Stage 4 Merkel Cell Carcinoma, a sudden and rare illness. He went from a vibrant and healthy middle-aged man, to being hospitalized unexpectedly. With this, his absence was sudden and shocking, leaving his loved ones heartbroken and confused. As is the case for all our loved ones who pass, “he should be here.” His loved ones hope Mike is resting easy on a beach somewhere, with a perpetual sunset, live music, and a sweet fur baby until he is reunited with his loved ones.

Mike is survived by his wife of nearly forty years, Amelia Wade Worley; daughters, SaraAnn and Stuart, and his parents. He is also survived by his two brothers, Eric Worley and Ron Worley, and their spouses, and his mother-in-law, Sara Wade.

Memorials may be made to Special Olympics of North Carolina, 2200 Gateway Centre Blvd, Ste. 201, Morrisville, NC 27560.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.