Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

February 10, 2020

CHARLOTTE – Michael Morgan Gibbons, 58, of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at Atrium’s Carolinas Medical Center on Monday, February 10, 2020, after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 5, 2020. 

Michael was born in Bronx, New York on August 24, 1961 to Morgan and Shirley Gibbons.  He attended Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, NY.  His family moved to Charlotte in 1978, where Michael graduated from Myers Park High School in 1979.  He graduated from North Carolina State University in 1983 with a degree in Business Management and was an active alumnus member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.  While at N.C. State, Michael had the opportunity to witness the iconic Coach Jim Valvano at the peak of his career. And as the great Jimmy V. once said, “Life changes when you least expect it to. The future is uncertain. So, seize this day, seize this moment and make the most of it.”  Michael lived his life thankful for every moment and every day in a way that inspired others to live similarly. 

His biggest accomplishment, as he would say; was becoming a father to his two children, Ryan and Emily with former wife, Michelle.  He was so proud of his children, loved them deeply and was truly an inspirational father. 

His next greatest accomplishment was meeting his beloved wife, Rhonda. A one-of-a-kind woman. Her sincere love, kindness and patience with Michael over the past eighteen years inspired Michael to live each day with passion, purpose and creativity. 

Michael was a valued and loved member of the Savvy + Co. Real Estate team. Working as a dynamic-duo team with his wife for the past five years at Savvy.  Michael also was an entrepreneur who wanted to help others, he began Buttons of Hope in 2008 with the purpose of “putting a photo with a cause” which added a personalization that created conversation of people asking, who’s that? How can we help? Where can we donate? And overall, created awareness with a face that others could see. These buttons were used in honor of people’s loved ones in charity walks, memorials, school/team fundraisers and missing people searches. 

Ever seen a cyclist on the road in a lava-lamp designed bright pink and lime green jersey? Trust me, you wouldn’t be able to not see it - well, these were the lucky folks of the cycling team Michael and Rhonda started in 2008 - “Mojo Riding.”  This team meant the world to Michael and created some of the most important relationships of Rhonda and Michael’s lives.  They rode together every week and contributed as a team to both Livestrong’s 24 Hours of Booty and they also participated in the National Multiple Sclerosis MS 150 bike ride for years. 

Michael is survived by his wife, Rhonda of Bedford, VA, his son, Ryan Gibbons and wife, Katie of Charlotte; his daughter, Emily Gibbons of Charlotte: his two loving parents, Morgan and Shirley Gibbons of Charlotte; his three sisters, Jackie and her husband, Greg Plemmons of Greensboro, NC, Michele Gibbons of Fuquay-Varina, NC and Suzanne and her husband, Bo Vaden of Atlanta GA, and his five beautiful nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank all the nurses, doctors and staff who cared for Michael during his stay at the Dickson-Heart ICU over the past week. The family is so grateful for all the visitors, messages, calls and prayers over the past few days and are overwhelmed with the love and support they received. 

A celebration of life will be held at 1:30 PM, Saturday, February 15, 2020 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC 28210. The family will receive friends following the service at the church in the Activity Center.  The family also invites anyone who would like to celebrate Michael’s life following the service to the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery from 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM on Saturday. 

Memorials may be made in honor of Michael to the Charlotte Art League, The Alzheimer’s Association or The Levine’s Children Hospital. 

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.