Michael B. "Spanky" Longshore, 53

Michael B. "Spanky" Longshore, 53, passed away peacefully on Oct. 19, 2013, while surrounded by loving family and friends at Mission Hospital, after losing a courageous battle against cancer.

He was born April 19, 1960, in Buncombe County to Janice Bagwell Mickle and the late James Dennis Longshore.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Gerri Longshore and two year old daughter Judi Longshore, of the home; a brother, Randy Longshore of Hendersonville; a sister, Suzanne Davis (Brian) of Flat Rock; three nieces Karen Ruff (Eric), Jaiden Davis, and Mackenzie Davis; two nephews Scott Longshore and Cory Davis; a great nephew, Kristian Ruff; an uncle, L M Bagwell (Becky); an aunt, Virginia McDaniel (Rick); and dear friends Norman Cannon, David "Fletch" Fletcher, and Mark and Denise Webb and a host of other friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Mack and Kate Bagwell and Herbert and Mary Longshore, stepfather Leon Mickle, nephew Andrew Longshore, and beloved friend Rick Byrd.

Mike was a professional truck driver and drove all over the United States. Most recently, he drove for G B Enterprises for over 10 years and thought of his employers and coworkers as family. He was a member of Dana Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, watching movies with his Judi Bug, and talking to people. He was very generous to his loved ones, was always full of energy, and lived an abundant life. He never met a stranger.

A celebration of Mike's life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, at Dana Baptist Church, 377 Ridge Road, Hendersonville. Visitation with the family and reception hosted by the Church will precede the service at noon.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Michael Longshore Trust at Home Trust Bank, PO Box 1047, Hendersonville, NC 28793 or to Dana Baptist Church.

Arrangements are being handled by Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory.

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to Rev. Dan Blackwell, Pastor Kemuel Pruitt, Dr. Mikhail Vinogradov, Dr. Oliver Binns, Dr. Paul Ahearne, the staff at Mission Hospital Heart Center, and the Hospice Pallative Care Team at Mission.