Michael Cartwright

Staff Sergeant Michael “Mike” Warren Cartwright, 65, of Candler went home to be with the Lord, on Saturday, September 24, 2022.  A native of Asheville, he was the son of the late Billy Warren Cartwright and Virgie Mae Hodge Cartwright.  He was also preceded in death by his sister, Sandy Cartwright and brother, Jimmy Penland.

Mike proudly served our country for 15 years in the Marines as a Staff Sergeant, serving mostly in Iwakuni, Japan.  Known to many as “Haus”, “Gunny” or “Squirrel Whisperer”, he was our part-time comedian and storyteller. He loved mowing the yard and dancing with Karen. Although he had a hard-core exterior, he had a tender, heart of gold.

Left to cherish his memory includes his wife of 14 years, Karen Taylor Cartwright; sons, Cody Cartwright of Asheville, Nathan Cartwright and his wife, Sammie of Waynesville, Justin “J. D.” Reed and his wife, Heather of Candler, and Joshua Reed of Candler; daughters, Tara Burton and her husband, Rayce of Canton and Taylor Reed and her fiancé’, Joe of Candler; sister, Sharon Cartwright Luciano and her husband, Eddie of Jacksonville, FL; brother, Jerry Penland and his wife, Debbie of Asheville; sister-in-law, Beverly Penland of Lockport, NY; eleven grandchildren, Byron Cartwright, Alden Cartwright, Mia Merritt, Byrd Cartwright, Tanner Burton, Hailey Burton, Jayden Reed, Jayce Reed, Aubrey Reed, Ember Rigdon and Kasin Rigdon and one great grandchild, Jase Reed.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2022 in the Wells Chapel of Faith, 1 Chapel of Faith Drive, Candler with Pastor Louis Gibson officiating.  Interment will follow the service in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Serving as pall bearers will be Nathan Cartwright, Cody Cartwright, J.D. Reed, Rayce Burton, Joe Rigdon and Jayden Reed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior, PO Box 958516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

The care of Mr. Cartwright has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes of Candler.