Obituary of Michael Grant Laughlin

Michael Grant Laughlin, 77, of Hope Mills/Grays Creek, took Jesus’ hand on February 18, 2024 and was healed from his earthly battle with cancer as he stepped into heaven. 

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Charles and Ruth Gillory Laughlin, and his sister Rhonda Baumgartner. He left behind his wife, Mary Canady Laughlin; daughters, Lori Laughlin-Orr (Doc), Mary Elizabeth Laughlin-McCloskey (Nicklas); son, Michael Joseph Charles Laughlin (Karen); grandchildren, Katy Vela, Kaylee Orr, Zachary Orr, Piercelyn McCloskey, Grant McCloskey, and Casen Jackson; great granddaughter, Bridget Vela; and other cherished family and friends.  

Michael took his first breath in Eunice, Louisiana, then moved to Lafayette. After high school shenanigans, he graduated from Lafayette High School, and matriculated as a Ragin’ Cajun at the University of Southeast Louisiana, where he majored in pingpong.  While he was faithfully serving in the US Air Force with the Hurricane Hunters, Michael met the love of his life, Mary.  He found his greatest joy in their marriage and the family with which God blessed them.  

Mike later attended Pembroke State University, where he graduated with high accolades with a degree in Middle Grades Education. An entrepreneur at heart, Mike, took a turn at many different businesses.  From selling pots and pans, teaching school and adventures in carpet to sporting goods, selling insurance and designing flowers, he was a man of much versatility who was always up for a challenge. 

In his “off” hours, he was a respected coach of life and several local athletic teams, was an avid fisherman, dabbled in music, and entertained young and old with his stories of growing up and Cajun jokes.  He served as a soldier in an armored tank unit of the Army National Guard.  He relished seeing former students from his time teaching at Mary McArthur Elementary and Southview Middle School and sharing memories.

Michael’s dedication to God was his true calling as he used his gifts throughout different ministries. He served his Lord and Savior, Jesus, as Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, and assisted with the youth (where he found out how many ways you could go down the slopes not on his skis) while sharing Biblical principles.  He made a joyful noise in choir and quartets and singing Christmas trees, and his talents extended to running soundboards, community outreach and Sunday sings and served as a deacon.  Introducing everyone he could to Jesus and His love was his mission.  Even on the night before he went to heaven, Mike took the time to share Jesus with his nurse.  It was his life goal to live Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” 

A memorial service celebrating Michael’s life will be held 3:00PM Monday, February 26, 2024, at Green Springs Baptist Church. The family will greet friends from 2:00PM to 3:00PM Monday prior to the service at the church and will also greet friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall.

Donations to Stoney Point Baptist Church https://stoneypointnc.com/donate/, Hope Mills Methodist https://www.hopemillsmc.org/give, or Green Springs Baptist Church Give.

Friends and family may offer online condolences at www.piercejeffersonfh.com