Graham Michael “Mike” Orndoff, 79, of Hickory, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at Wake Forest Medical Center following a brief period of declining health.

Mike was born October 10, 1946 in McDowell County to the late Graham Webster Orndorff and Nadgie Quinn Orndorff.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Edwin Quinn “Ed” Orndoff.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Joyce Buchanan Orndoff; sons, Gregory Michael Orndoff, and Jason Alexander Orndoff and wife Nikki; grandson, Graham Henry Orndoff; and niece, Katherine Cinny Orndoff and her mother Sheila Thomas.

Mike received his Bachelor of Social Welfare in 1970 from East Tennessee State University and a Master of Social Work from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1974. In 1982 he completed the Management Training Program for Managers of Human Services Agencies at the University of Alabama Birmingham.

He spent his entire career with state public health agencies and in service of North Carolinians. Mike began his career as a social worker at J. Iverson Riddle Center in Morganton before moving to Black Mountain Center, serving as Director of Program Administration. He finished his career with many years of service at Broughton Hospital in Morganton, retiring in 2001 in the position of Chief Operating Officer. Mike believed strongly in providing help to those with developmental disabilities or mental health needs and was extremely proud to have worked in the field alongside so many dedicated state employees serving the public.

During his career Mike received several awards, but none more cherished than The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which he received in 2000. This award is among the highest awards given by the Governor of the State of North Carolina and is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina.

After growing up and living in Spruce Pine (Mitchell County) until his retirement, he and his wife Joyce were able to enjoy many happy years at Hilton Head Island, SC, during which they were able to travel throughout the United States, before returning to North Carolina in his last years.

Mike was a proud alumnus of both East Tennessee State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a Life Member of both university’s Alumni Associations. He followed and enjoyed Tar Heel sports for decades. He had a great interest in cars throughout his life. He also enjoyed nature and loved spending time in his native Blue Ridge Mountains as well as near the beach. He maintained interests in genealogy and history throughout his life, often using travel opportunities for exploration and meeting distant family members.

Mike was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He believed strongly in family. He believed in education and supported his sons, niece and grandson in their educational pursuits and, later, in their work. He was particularly proud of his grandson Graham and took great pride and enjoyment in seeing him progress through the years to ultimately earn the opportunity to play college basketball and receive a college degree.

The family will hold a private graveside service and A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, at which the family looks forward to seeing Mike’s dear friends. Information regarding the Celebration of Life will be updated here as well as shared directly by the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the “Broughton Hospital Cheer Fund” which provides assistance to indigent patients. Donations may be mailed to 1000 South Sterling Street, Morganton NC 28655.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese, NC is assisting the family.