Michael Lynn Wetzel

Columbia-Michael Lynn Wetzel, 66, passed away on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Born on February 12, 1955 to Jean L. Carper and Marshall L. Wetzel. Mike is survived by his three sisters, Sharon L. Cogle (Dale) of Harpers Ferry, WV, Peggy A. Coates (Jr.) of Brunswick, MD, and Jay Wetzel Poma (Willy) of Charles Town, WV; 3 nieces, 3 nephews, 3 great-nieces and 4 great-nephews.  Mike was predeceased by his parents and his brother-in-law, Bill Cogle.

 Mike grew up in Brunswick, MD, where he attended the Brunswick schools.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 before graduation and completed his high school classes there.  Mike attended Shepherd College and West Virginia University before receiving his Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland.

 After leaving the Navy, and while completing his military service in the National Guard, Mike had a long career as one of the top-producing loan officers in the Columbia metropolitan area, at one time owning one of the premier mortgage companies in Columbia.  He is credited with providing an initial opportunity and with mentoring some of today’s top mortgage professionals in South Carolina. 

 When Mike wasn’t regaling anyone who would listen with memories of his glory days as an admiral’s aid in the Pentagon, he was cheering on his alma mater, the University of Maryland, and his favorite team of all, the Baltimore Orioles.  All who knew him would say he enjoyed life to the fullest and made sure his friends did also.

 A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Barr-Price Funeral Home, 609 Northwood Road, Lexington SC 29072. A reception will follow the service at 12:30 p.m. at Thirsty Fellow, 621 Gadsden Street, Columbia SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org , P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

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