Mr. Michael Stephen Nix “Mike” age 56 of Piney Knob Road passed away at his home Sunday December 18, 2011. A native of Rutherford County he worked in construction, was a graduate of R.S. Central High School and attended Isothermal Community College. Mike was a devoted member of St. Frances Episcopal Church and St. Gabriel Episcopal Church and was active in the Little White Country Church Food Bank Program. Left to cherish his memory is his mother Nancy Nix of Rutherfordton, NC and a number of other family members. Michael was preceded in death by his father Colonel Stephen Nix. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Frances Episcopal Church 408 N. Main Street Rutherfordton NC 28139. A celebration of life will be held 11 AM Thursday December 22, 2011 at St. Frances Episcopal Church with Rev. Christine Beebe officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 – 11 AM Thursday December 22, 2011 in the parish hall of St. Frances Episcopal Church.