CONOVER, N.C. - Michael “Mike” Luther Pannell, 75, of Conover, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at his residence with his two daughters by his side.

He was born March 13, 1949 in Catawba County, the second of four sons, to the late Charles and Catherine Lowrance Pannell. Mike was a 1967 graduate of Bunker Hill High School and enjoyed going to his class reunions and catching up with classmates.  He was a two-time graduate of Catawba Valley Technical Institute and received his Bachelor of Science in Business in 1981 from Western Carolina. Mike joined Rock Barn Golf and Country Club in the 1970’s and built his dream home there. He was a United States Army Veteran, serving in Korea during the Vietnam War. Mike was a lifelong member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Claremont. He was employed in the tooling industry for over 50 years and was the founder and president of Hickory Saw & Tool, Inc. There was nothing more important to Mike than family, faith and friends.  He was always the life of the party and will be missed by many. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Jessie Pannell.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters Heather Herbert of Conover and husband Gregg of Conover, Anna Pope and husband Johnny of Las Vegas; brothers Larry Pannell and wife Brenda of Claremont, Randy Pannell and wife Barbara of Conover, Bruce Pannell of Claremont; grandchildren Austin Herbert, Greysen Herbert, Lexi Herbert, Sullivan Herbert, Brianna Mace, and Michael Witherspoon; great-grandchildren Amelia Herbert and John Mace; and the mother of his daughters, Gail Sparks of Conover.

The family would like to thank Trinity Ridge in Mountain View and Carolina Caring for all of their care and support.

A memorial service to celebrate Mike’s life will be held on Monday, September 2, 2024 at 3 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Claremont. Rev. David Hefner will officiate. Inurnment with military honors by AmVets of Hickory Post 76 will follow in the church columbarium. The family will receive friends following the service.  

Memorials may be made to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658

Condolences may be sent to the Pannell family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com

Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the Parnell family.