Michael Gerald Orr

Cheraw, SC

Mr. Michael Gerald Orr, age 72, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be 5:00 PM Sunday, August 28, 2022 from the Chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home by Reverend Dr. Timothy McClendon and Brent Taylor with burial to follow in the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 4:00 – 5:00 PM Sunday, prior to the service at the funeral home.  

Mr. Orr was born February 17, 1950, in Etowah, NC, the son of the late Marvin and Marilyn McClain Orr. A man of many talents, Mr. Orr was most recently retired as Code Enforcement Officer for the Town of Cheraw and Chesterfield County, Prior to these roles, Mike was a Licensed Residential Contractor, for both South and North Carolina, building houses throughout the Pee Dee of South Carolina and into the southern coastal region of North Carolina as Mike Orr Builders.  Mike began his career in Cheraw as owner and operator of WCRE, 1420 AM, where he was known as ‘Michael G,’ and during that time, he was the youngest owner of a radio station in South Carolina. Michael G, served in various roles in numerous civic organizations, and was instrumental in planning many events with the Town of Cheraw and bringing recognition to the ‘Prettiest Town in Dixie’ by use of airtime -an invaluable method of communication at that time. He was very instrumental in establishing and advocating for the Cheraw Recreation Department. Mike was appointed as a charter member of the Olde English Tourism Commission. Mike also served as a mentor to those he employed, many of which were high school students. He took pride in their accomplishments and enjoyed seeing them become contributing members of society; many credit him as laying the foundation to their success.

In November 1970, Mike married the love of his life, Patsy, at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. For the next 40 years, he would hold many key roles within the church including Lay Leader for 25 years, Chairman of the Board and Administrative Council, United Methodist Youth Leader, and choir member -defining what it means to walk in faith.  Mike was loving, generous, and strong in his faith. He loved his family and will be remembered as one who welcomed everyone to his table; for his uncanny ability to take the scenic route, his booming voice that signaled his approach before he entered the room, for being perpetually late; but also, as one who loved big, meant well, and gave his all -both in life and death.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, listed above, and sister, Carol Orr Clayton; his father and mother-in-law, Walter and Alieth Bruner.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Patsy Bruner Orr, of the home; son, Jonathan Michael Orr (Kristen) of Taylors, SC; 2 daughters, Heather Caroline Orr, of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Meredith Orr Cotton (Rusty) of Marion, SC; four grandchildren, Elliott Michael Orr and Andrew Dansby Orr of Taylors, SC; and Elizabeth Anne Cotton and Caroline Grace Cotton of Marion, SC. These four provided much joy and light into his world -the love he had for them was palpable and being “Bop” was his most favorite role.

He is also survived by a brother, Dr. Robert Lynn Orr (Kathy) of Franklin, NC; 2 brothers-in-law, Harry Clayton of Etowah, NC, and Walter Michael Bruner (Sandy) of Cheraw; and sister-in-law Jo Anne Fields Tumasian (Tony) of Cheraw; paternal aunts of Etowah, NC; cousins, cousins by marriage, niece and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Novinger and his staff for the special care given to Mike; to JoAnne, Dana, and Monica for their continued love and support; and to his devoted brother-in-law, Mike Bruner -you are so loved. Special thanks are also noted for the staff of Crescent Hospice and nurse Brittany Hilton, and the many friends and neighbors that have selflessly been there for Mike.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Carla Reid, 2525 W Market Street Extension, Cheraw, SC 29520; or to Crescent Hospice of Bennettsville, SC, 1039 Cheraw Street, Cheraw, SC 29512.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Orr family.