Michael Stampley Cheves

Michael Stampley Cheves, was born on September 5, 1983, in Bristol, Tennessee. On July 24, 2023, he left his home in New Bern, NC, and arrived at his heavenly home, safely in the arms of our Lord Jesus.

Michael was a caring and sensitive person who was happiest when he was helping friends and neighbors. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church New Bern where he was involved in the TV ministry and served on the IT committee. He was an active member of the Lower Neuse Bird Club and the Carolina Bird Club and was participating in the North Carolina Bird Atlas five-year count (ncbirdatlas.org). He was the Webmaster and the former Newsletter Editor for the Lower Neuse Bird Club and had many wonderful friends in that group. He enjoyed watching for and listening to birds in all situations, especially while hiking in the forest, and had become skilled in photography of all things in nature. His favorite places to be hiking in the forests of the coastal plain or in the mountains and being with his special dogs. His love of the outdoors extended to running in two half-marathons and several shorter races with his sister and his dad.

Michael is survived by his parents Nicholas Warren Cheves and Mary Lynn Stampley Cheves of New Bern; sister Anna Cheves Simmons (James) of Havelock; niece Jamie Simmons and nephew Andy Simmons of Havelock; uncle Keywood Cheves (Louise) of New Bern; aunt Virginia Kaye Stampley Allen of Waynesville, NC; cousins Bradley Allen of Marion, NC, Brian Allen (Jennifer) of Waynesville, NC, and Elizabeth Cheves of Charlotte; a loving extended family, and a large community of caring friends and fellow birders.

The family will receive friends in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, 239 Middle Street, New Bern, NC, on August 2, beginning at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service, led by Rev. Kerry Peeler, will follow at 2:00 in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church TV Ministry, PO BOX 1463, New Bern, NC, 28563.

Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.