David "Mike" Michael Hess

David “Michael” Hess, age 64, of Beckley, WV, went to be with his Savior and Lord on Thursday, June 6, 2024, after a long illness. Born on October 28, 1959, he was the son of the late David Hess and Ruth Skaggs Hess of Ansted, WV.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Kimbra Faye Hess Hobbs.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Lesa of nearly 38 years of Beckley; son Michael Bryson and Shakeria Hess of Panama City Beach, FL; grandchildren Xyla James and Oakley Hess; brother Mark and Teana Hess of Loudendale, and sister Bonita Hess of Dunbar. He enjoyed his precious cats, Sophie and Millie.

Mike attended Hillsdale Free Will Baptist Bible College in Oklahoma. He graduated from both Bluefield State College and Concord College with two Bachelor Degrees. Mike worked as an X-ray Technician at local hospitals and clinics until being recruited at Bluefield State College to head up their radiology department. He enjoyed teaching and working with students to help build their lives and careers.

Mike worked at various other occupations throughout his lifetime, one of which was Kanawha Hospice. His patients and their families thoroughly enjoyed Mike and the loving care he provided. Being such an excellent social worker, Mike was often asked to speak at his patients’ funeral services.

Many of Mike’s most cherished moments involved family gatherings. Family meant everything to him. One favorite past time he and Bryson enjoyed together was target shooting, They enjoyed collecting guns and knives together. He also enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially with his mom.

Just prior to Mike’s passing, he was blessed to meet and hold his two beautiful granddaughters; newborn, Oakley and 3-year old Xyla. This was no doubt, God’s perfect timing.

Mike was a member of Faith Community Church and really enjoyed being part of his small group,Wisdom Seekers. When Mike was in good health, he served the Lord in many ways. He played the guitar, sang solos, sang with his family and friends, led the choir and congregational singing, taught Bible classes, Sunday School,and served as youth group leader.

Mike was strong in his faith and walk with God resulting in a positive and uplifting outlook on life knowing that one day he would be united with Jesus, family and friends at the end of his journey. During his homebound stay, Mike relished a daily routine of listening to gospel singing and preaching. He enjoyed reading the Bible and various Christian authors. You couldn’t ask for a better patient or person than Mike. He was always easy going, encouraging, and positive even though he knew he was dealing with a fatal disease. He wore a smile on his face and never complained. His nurses and doctors loved him. He was definitely a wonderful reflection of God love.

A special thank you from his family to Hospice of Southern WV for their compassion and excellent care of Mike. We praise God for their care and God’s mercy for a quick passing. In addition to his family caring for Mike, he was blessed by wonderful caregivers; longtime friend, Molly Cannady and brother-in-law, Noah Cochran.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Beckley, WV. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. with a dear friend and ordained minister, Richard Franklin, officiating. Following the funeral, Mike will be laid to rest at at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation be made to either Hospice or Missions 3:16, designated, Vlad and Julia Kozoubovskii - Ministry to Ukrainian veterans and refugees.