I was saddened to hear about Mike’s passing. I had the pleasure and honor to work with him many years ago at prime communications. He was a fantastic human being and a great inspiration to us all. He loved his family and he loved his work. My prayers go out to his wife and children.

God Bless!
Manik 

To the Orchard Family,
I am so saddened with Michael’s passing. With a brilliant, engaging personality, Michael always brought smiles or laughter to everyone. I will miss Michael but know he is looking upon his family and friends continuing to bring joy to those around him!
Tracey & Taylor Meronyk 

Kimberly, Kristen and Kyle, We remember when you first moved to Cypress and will hold our memories fondly. We always knew Mike worked hard to provide the best for your three. You all are in our prayers. 

My wife Jackie and I had the privilege of knowing Mike and Kimberly and getting to be good friends in the mid-1990's in Kentucky.  Mike and I worked together at GTE Wireless.  I was GM in Lexington and Mike was GM in Louisville and along with our great leader Tom Gawronski, we accomplished so much professionally and we all became so close.  Mike was so smart, so intense and also fun.  I wish I had a video of our lip-synch "skit" we did at one of our big annual Sales Meetings.  Kimberly, we have so many great memories our families shared - the Bahamas trip, living like kings and queens for a weekend at the Kentucky Derby and cruising on your boat - you and your family are in our prayers.

Mike had us rocking in Indiana.  Memories of him teaching us how to boat, how to love music, how to celebrate family.   Your entire family will always be a significant memorable loving part of ours.♥️

I met Mike through Deanna and  I have known the Orchard family for many years. My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers for you all. I remember Mike when he was working  at the Exxon station and attending U of H. He was always so nice to me, so funny and always had a smile on his face. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. May God surround you with many happy memories and may His grace be with you all at this difficult time. 
Love, 
Susan 

I knew Mike as a generous genius.  Mike was like a brother to me in my career.  I will regret forever not being able to see him before he was taken from us.  Though I know Kim, Kristen, and Kyle and the rest of the Orchard clan will miss Mike tremendously, I also know that Mike has left them with the strength to overcome the loss with time.

I could not be more thankful that Mike and I first crossed paths when we both passed through Louisville, KY during a brief but impactful stint in our careers.  Together, we inherited a very difficult situation that required creative approaches and extraordinarily hard work to overcome, but overcome we did. It was also Mike’s first opportunity to lead a large team of people. He was a natural due to his honesty and concern for the success of all with whom he worked.

I think an anecdote from that time sums up Mike.  Our families lived in the same neighborhood.  One night, I went to visit Mike to hash out some work issue or another.  We were talking in his garage that was as immaculate and organized as an operating room while he worked on rebuilding a Jeep.  A few weeks later, we met at a boatyard where he and Kim were overhauling a boat of some 35 ft.  He had all these huge personal projects going on even as we faced an all-consuming challenge at work.  Meanwhile, I was barely able to help get my kids to bed at night after work.

Later in my career, I reached out to Mike to bring him to Nextel to run a region that included Texas.  I was fortunate Mike accepted for him and Kim to get back home to be closer to family.  Nextel Texas was a chronic underperformer and had suffered a predecessor who was, well, not a good person.  Of course, I knew Mike would take it from worst to first in no time, and he did.   

As I told him and Kim recently, he had the unique ability to combine the rational with the creative and communicate in a way that made him a natural leader.  Without Mike, I would not have enjoyed the success I did.


I worked as a peer of Mike’s for several years back at BellSouth and Cingular. He was respected as a solid leader and a straight shooter. He never held back and he spoke clearly of his convictions. Those are two characteristics that were desperately needed in his capacity as the VPGM of the Georgia market. I was sad to see him leave the company as we needed more people like him to keep us on track.  Candidly, we need more people like him in this country.

My prayers go out to Mike’s family and closest friends - it goes without saying we lost a good guy when Mike passed. 


Spending time with Mike and family on Lake Lanier was a time we will never forget !  You will be missed Mike!  Love to your family. Bob and Sue McCormick. 

I worked with Mike at Cingular Wireless/AT&T  in Atlanta, GA, and will always remember his smile. He was so friendly, warm and inviting. But his smile and personality I will never forget. 

Sending condolences to the Orchard family and to all who knew Mike and had the pleasure to be in his presence. 

Shannon Upchurch (Ulmer)

Kimberly....my heart bleeds and my eyes leak.  Praying for you and your family.  Asking God to wrap you in His arms while you find peace and comfort.
Bless you.

Sending comfort, peace and prayers to the family and friends of Mr. Orchard. 

Mike was always a leader and someone to look up too. He did a lot of cool things growing up. He did even more amazing
things as a man. Mike, we will miss you, and we all love you with all of our hearts.

Oh “ Berly” , as Caroline called you, I’m so heartbroken for you & your family.  I’m glad we were able to reconnect on FB . I’ve been following your journey with Mike . Bob & I have fond memories of you both as our first neighbors in Alpharetta. I will be praying for Gods arms to wrap you in comfort & peace. Love you “ old” friend 😘❤️🙏🙏🙏
Much love to your family!!
Nancy & Bob Fullerton

OBITUARY

Michael Wayne Orchard

July 21, 1965 – November 8, 2020

Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery

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