A much loved husband and father, Michael Ray Lother, 60, of Rutherfordton passed away peacefully at Hospice House of Rutherford County on June 14, 2015, with family present. He was a native of Anderson, SC and a U.S. Airforce Veteran. Michael was an exceptional man, with a truly kind and gentle soul, who gave so much love and happiness to all who knew him. He is described as "amazing, kind and he made people feel happy." He was an inspiration to so many. Michael never met a stranger, never turned anyone away who was in need, and always put his heart and soul into any project or job. Michael is survived by his wife, Teresa Griffin Lother; daughter Tiffany Rose Lother; Sister, Debbie Hall, Step-father, Charles Moorhead, mother in law Shirley Griffin, brother in law Gene Griffin, three nephews and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, William Lother; and his mother Patricia Mullinax Moorhead. Michael was a graduate of Anderson Junior College, Greenville Technical College and Clemson University. Michael was a professional musician very early in life, having a special God given musical talent of "playing by ear." However, he attended formal training in Nashville and numerous drum workshops in Charlotte. He was an avid and accomplished drummer, having played his drums on several recordings with some being placed high on the Billboard charts. He performed gospel music on the stage of The Grand Ole Opry, performed in many auditoriums and venues throughout the Unites States and Canada. He toured professionally with a Nashville Southern Gospel recording group called the Singing Rambos and also played for a gospel recording singer named Bobby Jean White, who has been known as the First Lady of Gospel Music. His reputation and experience as a drummer gave him the opportunity to open shows for great artists such as Loretta Lynn, Billy Crash Craddock, Arthur Smith, Connie Stevens, The Oak Ridge Boys, Andre Crouch, The Dixie Melody Boys, The Happy Goodman Family, The Florida Boys, The Dixie Dregs, Mother's Finest, Sea Level, Bill Engvall, Lonestar, Ricochet, SheDaisy, T. Graham Brown, Alabama, Travis Tritt, Montgomery Gentry, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Lee Ann Womack, Brooks and Dunn, Toby Keith, The Georgia Satellites, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, and the Atlanta Rhythm Section. He also performed in praise and worship bands at many churches. Michael was a Register Nurse specializing in Outpatient Surgery, Endoscopy, Operating Room, ICU, CCU, PACU, Nurse Management/Leadership and start-up of Ambulatory Surgery Centers in the southeast. Michael also served as flight nurse and Captain in the Air Force, managing other nurses and transport missions. He was a member of the 31st Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Charleston AFB in Charleston, SC. During his spare time, Michael had a calling to be a team leader for the Special Olympics for several years, watching many of the children grow up and get jobs, get married and lead lives of normalcy. His gift to the Special Olympics kids was bowling, which he loved as much as they did. While working at one of the hospitals in North Carolina, he started a bowling league which continued for five years. The league was enjoyed by many employees and doctors, giving opportunity to team work, camaraderie and new friendships. Michael was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer in 2009. He developed many friendships while having his treatment/chemotherapy with patients like himself. He fought many battles and won many wars with his cancer, seeing three remissions. He was not defeated by his cancer, but the combat of trying to keep the cancer at bay. Teresa and Tiffany express sincere appreciation to Dr. Krumdieck, Dr. M. Campbell and Dr. Reniech of Mooresville, Dr. Schmeltzer of Charlotte, Dr. Shen of Wake Forest, The doctors and nurses at The Cancer Treatment Center of America in Philadelphia, Dr. Rees, the chemotherapy nurses and his staff, Carolina Home Care nurses, Hospice House of Rutherford County including Dr. Michele Mercer and Susan Harris FNP-C and all of Michael's hospice nurses for their dedication, support and love. Michael touched the lives of so many and lived for everyone's happiness. He is especially missed by his loyal companions, Oppi and Arebella (his beloved poodles) who loved him completely. He was a loving husband to Teresa and dedicated father to Tiffany, who was his pride and joy. He left Teresa and Tiffany a gift of special memories, not to be forgotten. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Michael, we will miss you! A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 3:00 PM at McMahan's Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bart Shaw and Pastor Betty Shaw officiating. The Rutherford County Honor Guard will provide Military Honors. The family will receive friends at McMahan's Funeral Home immediately following the memorial service.