Michael Spruce Christian, Sr.

Michael Spruce Christian, Sr. passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He was born September 21, 1949, to the late James Dearing Christian Jr. and the late Margaret (Rita) Spruce Christian. He was married to Patricia (Tricia) Shaw Christian for fifty-two years.

Michael was the middle and nicest of five siblings and enjoyed an idyllic childhood on Quarry Road swimming, exploring, and finding a bit of mischief every now and then. He loved a wide spectrum of music and played the drums in a band. A graduate of E.C. Glass High School and Hampden-Sydney College, Michael was employed by N.B. Handy Company for fifty years where he worked in sales, marketing, and as a shareholder, Vice Chairman, and Chairman over his tenure, excelling in each endeavor. He served on the board of the YMCA of Central Virginia and was a member of the Habitat Council of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Michael was a longtime faithful parishioner of Holy Cross Catholic Church.

Michael's ardent love for the outdoors was all consuming. He could often be found in a dove field or hunting quail and pheasant, both close to home and in Mexico and Argentina, or fishing on his boat out of Wrightsville Beach. He spent a lifetime on the Cowpasture River in Bath County hunting and fishing. For a number of years, he drove his truck loaded with gear to Colorado with a group to hunt deer and elk. Anyone who visited his office also noticed his love of big game hunting in Africa as evidenced by his mounts, often surprising visitors. Michael had a great love of the land and was a fervent proponent of conservation and preservation.

Above all, Michael dearly loved his family. In addition to Tricia, he is survived by his children Michael S. Christian, Jr. (Teresa), Anne C. Carter (Shaun), and Reverend John R. Christian, as well as his seven grandchildren Hannah C. Slaughter (Keenan), Michael III (Brittany), Emma, and Maisie Christian, Catherine, John, and Michael Carter, and great-grandson Monty Slaughter. He is also survived by his siblings Nathan H. Christian (Nadine), D. Bruce Christian (Spas), and Martha C. Seufer (Paul), and sister-in-law Trudy Davidson. Additionally, he was a beloved father figure to two foster daughters, June McWane and Joy Percefull from the former Presbyterian Home.

He was predeceased by his brother James D. Christian, III. He also has ten nieces and nephews to whom he was "Yaw" and truly "Uncle Fun," as well as a large number of cousins. In leaving, he would often quip with a twinkle in his eye, "glad you got to see me!"

The family is especially grateful to his faithful caregivers Candy Jackson, JoAnne Edwards, Lucy Wilson, Sandra Fulcher, Rennie Covington, and Tamika Robertson who gave Michael their love and care for over five years. They are part of our family. Thank you to Dr. Archibald Lord and the wonderful Westminster at Home Hospice Care Team. Thank you also to Jennifer Young who came to his home biweekly to give him a therapeutic massage.

Those closest recall Michael in his high-backed chair listening to Rita recite the final decade of the Rosary each Sunday. In his passing, Michael offers his response one last time as he listens: Remember O Most Gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, our mother; to you do we come, before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in your mercy grant that Michael may grow closer to your Son, finding, with ever greater likeness, the heavenly harmony which his life evidenced to all of us.

A Visitation and Vigil will be held at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00PM.

The Funeral Mass will be conducted on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Lynchburg, with The Reverend John R. Christian officiating. The Committal will be at Spring Hill Cemetery, Lynchburg, followed by a reception at Boonsboro Country Club.

Memorial donations may be made to the Izaak Walton League of Lynchburg, 210 Izaak Walton Park Road, Amherst, VA 24521 or Holy Cross Catholic Church, 710 Clay Street, Lynchburg, VA 24505.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.