Charles Michael Umbarger

Charles Michael “Mike” Umbarger, 73, of Gilbert, SC, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born on March 1, 1952, in Leesville, SC, a son of the late Lee Umbarger and Irma Matthews Umbarger.

On November 6, 1971, Mike married Patricia Sampson at Oak Grove Baptist Church. They were married for 53 years and were blessed with three daughters, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He later adopted two of his grandsons.

Mike had a long and successful career in sales within the paper industry, traveling extensively along the East Coast. He retired from the Southern Paper Group. He was a proud member of the Elmore #288 (The Crown Jewel) Masonic Lodge of Pelion and the Jamil Shrine Center.

Mike especially loved golfing, trout fishing with his boys, and vacationing with his family—always serving as the grill master on those special trips. He was a devoted member of Oak Grove Baptist Church for over 60 years, where he served faithfully as a deacon, treasurer, and active member.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Pat; children, Becky Smith (Jeff), April Umbarger, Christy Johnson (Ashley), Weston Umbarger (Ashley), and Trevor Umbarger (Haleigh Outlaw); grandchildren, Brooke Smith (Harry), Emily Smith, Kayla Johnson, Macie Johnson, and Lexcie Umbarger; along with his great-grandchildren, Korie Umbarger, Charlee Umbarger, Jacklyn Umbarger, and Gracelynn Prater. Also surviving are his brothers, Johnny Umbarger (Hilda), George Umbarger (Miriam), Dean Umbarger (Carolyn); sisters, Dawn Shealy (Evie) , Mary Gantt (John), and Debra Gentry; sister-in-law, Pauline Umbarger; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mike was predeceased by his brothers, Ricky Umbarger and Andy Umbarger; and brother-in-law, Oscar Gentry.

The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock on Friday, June 27th, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 533 Hayride Road, Gilbert, SC 29054, with burial to follow in the church cemetery with Masonic Rites. Pastor Dennis Metts will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1 o’clock, in the church sanctuary. Active pallbearers will be: Mitchell Corder, Scott Burgess, Nick Hallman, Neal Umbarger, Randall Tankersley, and John Craig. Honorary pallbearers will be: Tony Kahler, Gene Hicks, Pastor Rhinehart, Terry Trull, Jerry Henson, and Mike’s golf buddies in the mountains.

Memorial donations may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church, 533 Hayride Road, Gilbert, SC 29054.