This past Sunday, a good friend of ours was killed in a motorcycle accident. As he was traveling down I-77 in South Carolina with his best friend, he experienced a mechanical problem and was trying to get his Harley stopped when he was thrown from the motorcycle. Unfortunately, he was not wearing a helmet.

Mickey and AM worked together for several years at Lance. He was one of the happiest people I have ever met. Not once did I see him without a smile on his face and he was always willing and able to help anyone in need. His laugh was infectious and you could always tell when he was close-by because he could be heard long before he was seen. He was also one of the biggest flirts I have ever met, which always brought a smile to the ladies that were around. His wife Kandy is also one of the sweetest women I have ever met and my heart aches for her as Mickey was her world.

Last night was his visitation, and I never knew how many peoples lives Mickey touched in one way or another. When I say that we stood in line to speak to the family for almost 2 hours- I am not over-exaggerating. I have only witnessed that many people at a visitation one other time and that was at a police service. It was truly heart-warming to see that many people loved Mickey. He was truly one of a kind and we will all miss his laughter.

As with any unexpected death, it makes you reflect on your own mortality. AM and I both talked for a while about things like wills and what we want if something ever happens to us. These are things that no one wants to talk about, but it is important that they are taken care of in case it happens. I am a firm believer that, unless you are partaking in behavior that puts you at risk, then when your time is up it is up. Only God knows when it is time to leave this place and there isn't a lot you can do to change it. As much as it hurts, everything happens for a reason. Therefore, I think we should all live each day to the fullest since you never know when it will be your last. As much as I take life for granted, I hope that everyone I care for knows just how much I love and cherish each one of them.

To everyone out there that owns and/or rides motorcycles- please, please, PLEASE wear your helmets! We will never know if Mickey's life could have been saved had he been wearing one, but I have known way too many people that have been seriously injured or killed because they didn't wear them. It's a simple thing and takes only seconds. I know they might not be the most stylish thing in the world, and on a hot summer day they just plain suck but it is such a small price to pay.

RIP Mickey. I hope you are making the angels laugh as much as you did us.

"James M. “Mickey” Funderburk, Jr.LANCASTER, SC ::::::::::Mr. James M. “Mickey” Funderburk, Jr. age 46, died Sunday, June 1, 2008. He was born September 25, 1961 in Lancaster County, the son of Lola Lloyd Funderburk and the late James Milburn Funderburk and was the husband of Kandace Hoke Funderburk. Mr. Funderburk was the owner of S & F Motor Sports and a member of Faith Baptist Church.Mr. Funderburk is survived by his wife Kandace Hoke Funderburk of the home, his mother, Lola Lloyd Funderburk of Lancaster, 2 daughters, Elizabeth “Beth” Billings and her husband Eric of Phoenix, AZ and Michelle Funderburk of Rock Hill, a step daughter, Brandy Cason and her husband David of Rock Hill, 2 sisters, Rita Finch and Janice Montgomery both of Lancaster, and 1 grandchild, Callahan Cason."

Labels: Memorials