Michael “Mike” Woodrow Switzer, Sr. age 73, went to be with the Lord November 8, 2020, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Virginia.
Mike was born December 20, 1946 to the late Woodrow Louis Switzer and Meda Adelaide Myers Switzer in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He graduated from Moss Point High School, Moss Point, Mississippi and was an alumnus of University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in Hattiesburg, Mississippi with a football scholarship. He was the recipient of multiple Happy Harpers Sportsmanship Awards and was selected to the Big 8. Mike was co-owner of Tri City Electric Wholesale Supply in Pascagoula, Mississippi for over 25 years and spent his remaining career as a military contractor in the Gulf War era serving in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan before retiring back in the States. Mike was a member of Allentown Holiness Church in Mobile, Alabama, as well as Grace Tabernacle in Bristol, Virginia upon his recent move to Virginia.
Mike’s passion was his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, sibling, uncle, friend, and so much more. Friends and family were often blessed by his generous nature and wonderful sense of humor. He was well loved by all and will be forever missed.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by brother-in-law Otis Lewelling
Mike is survived by wife of 54 years Barbara DiAnne Bosarge Switzer; daughter Darlene Suzette Brown of Gautier, Mississippi; son Michael W. Switzer, Jr. and wife Tonya of Abingdon, Virginia; grandson Gavin Gautier Brown of Gautier, Mississippi; sister Yvonne Switzer Lewelling Rogers and husband John of Wade, Mississippi; brother Ernest Lewis (E. L.) Switzer and wife Patsy of Escatawba, Mississippi; niece Kay Newman; nephew Kevin Lewelling and wife Rita; nephew Shane Switzer; nephew Ernie Lewelling and wife Christy; niece Suzanne Parker. Several great nieces and nephews, cousins, and in-laws whom he dearly loved also survive.
Funeral services will be held at Frost Funeral Home in Abingdon, Virginia on Friday, November 13, 2020. The family will receive condolences at the visitation from 12:00 - 1:00 pm with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm. A graveside service and committal will be conducted at the Garrett & Greendale Chapel Cemetery in Abingdon, VA following the memorial service. Services will be officiated by Rev. David Horton, Rev. David Lee Horton, Rev. Neil Bridges, Rev. Eugene Futrall, and Rev. Michael W. Switzer.
Pallbearers will be Gavin Brown, Howard Lee Bosarge, Ernie Lewelling, Kevin Lewelling, Shane Switzer, Wayne Nelson, and Dr. Matthew Hubbard.
Honorary pallbearers will be Carmon Randolph, Wayne Davenport, and Darrell Hess.
The family would like to express sincere thanks to Mike’s doctors, nurses, and friends for their care, concern, and support during his illness. Special thanks to Dr. Matthew Hubbard of Abingdon, Virginia and Cassie J. Meadows, NP of Bluff City, Tennessee.
Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Abingdon, Virginia is honored to serve the family of Mr. Switzer.
Following interment, dinner will be provided to family and friends by Grace Tabernacle in Bristol, Virginia.