Mike R. Beggs, 62, beloved father, husband, professor, minister, mentor, colleague, and great friend,

died Monday, October 30, 2023. He was predeceased by his grandparents, parents, and his talented

and treasured wife of 18 years, Sally. He was survived by his two sons, Zach and Nate, wife Becky,

sister Cara and her family, and numerous family and friends.

His family and his home church will host a memorial to honor his impactful life on Sunday,

December 3, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Palmetto Church of Christ in Columbia, South Carolina. For

memorials, please consider the American Cancer Society or a charity of choice. The family request no gifts or food.

Mike was born in Fort Worth, Texas, his home until he graduated from Paschal High School in 1978.

During these formative years, he developed a generous spirit of Christ-like service, which he

nurtured alongside his love of history and the Bible. An avid reader and curious about everything, he

was a thinker when alone and a doer when called upon.

After earning his B.A. in Biblical studies, B.A. in Spanish, and B.A. in secondary education from

Abilene Christian University, Mike taught history and English as a second language at Northside

High School in his hometown in order to take a break from his studies and to assist financially in his

sister's education. He used his free time to mentor students through college admission hurdles, and

he held multiple volunteer roles within West Berry Church of Christ.

Mike earned his M.Div. from Yale University and his Ph.D. in theology from the University of Notre

Dame. During these years, he married another Yale student, Sally Cherrington. Together they had two

sons, Zach and Nate, whom he loved so much. During his rare free time, Mike served various

churches as interim preacher.

After Notre Dame, Mike initially taught religion at Elmhurst University and Livingstone College

before joining his wife on the faculty of Newberry College in 2002. While Sally served as professor

of music and chair of the music department, Mike was multitasking as professor of religion,

committee member and chair, assistant coach for youth sports teams, and participant in Newberry's

community service programs. In 2012, tragedy struck Mike and his sons when Sally succumbed to

her battle against cancer.

As his sons matured, Mike continued his work at Newberry College and also volunteered in various

teaching positions within his home church, Palmetto Church of Christ. In 2014, he married Becky

Miller, with whom he had been friends since childhood in Texas.

At the time of his death, Mike was looking forward to a sabbatical in Ghana and eventually to his

retirement with Becky. Although he had traveled extensively, he had many more adventures planned

and was ever hopeful for his own future and that of the world. His death was a shock to so many of

us, and he will be profoundly missed by all of us. He was one of the good guys. Love you, Babes.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Beggs family.