William Mika

William John Mika, 88, of Brevard, passed away on August 15, 2019. He was born in Freeland, Pennsylvania on June 21, 1931 and raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the son of Stephen W. Mika and Margaret McDermott Mika.

Surviving are, Joan Mika, his wife of 66 years, four daughters, Kathy Lee and husband Keith, Spartanburg, SC, Susan McGuire and husband Frank , Mint Hill, NC, Sandra Harrison and husband Ron, Dacusville, SC and Jennifer Mika, Roanoke, Va.  Two grandchildren Bryan McGuire and wife Maura and Sarah McGuire Neese and husband Will.  He has two great granddaughters Mary Clare McGuire and Lucy Ann Neese.

He graduated from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration and a major in Industrial Relations.  He played baseball and basketball while at Rider University.  He served two years on active duty in the United States Army.

He retired from Dan River Mills after 21 years as Corporate Vice President of Industrial Relations.  He also worked for The Beaunit Corporation at The Research Triangle Park, NC as Corporate Director of Industrial Relations.  He was also employed by The Glidden Company as Director of Personnel and Air Products and Chemicals as Manager of Employee Benefits.

While employed he oversaw and served on many boards and civic committees.  Including Goodwill Industries, Danville Community College, The United Way, The Dan River Foundation for Higher Education, Virginia Governors Industry Committee and The  Man -Made Fibers and Textile Industry Committee.  He was a leader and a trail blazer for corporate benefits, employee stock options and compensation committees.

He will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11am on Saturday August 31, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brevard, NC.  Father Shawn O’Neal will be officiating.  Military Rites will be rendered by The North Carolina National Guard and The Transylvania County Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to: The Connestee Fire Rescue Inc., In Honor of W. J. Mika,  PO Box 2427, Brevard, NC 28712.

To leave a condolence for the family of William John Mika, please visit "obituaries" at www.moore-fh.com. Moore- Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is serving the family.