Gary “Mike” Lancaster, 73
June 26, 1951 — January 20, 2025
Gary “Mike” Lancaster, 73, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on January 20, 2025, in Oxford, Mississippi.
Mike Lancaster was born on June 26, 1951, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Robert James Lancaster and Hazel Hortense Lancaster.
Mike graduated from Itawamba Agricultural High School in 1969, then went on to play baseball at Itawamba Community College and later continued his education at Christian Brothers University.
Mike developed an early love of music, likely the result of his admiration of older brother, Larry Eades. Forming his first band in junior high, Mike went on to have a successful career in music as a studio musician and talented singer for several bands.
Mike also worked as a realtor in Tupelo, Mississippi before obtaining his Series 7 and starting work selling bonds in Memphis, Tennessee. Mike would go on to spend 37 years in freight logistics both domestically and internationally until his retirement as the Vice President and General Manager of BNSF Logistics – International.
Although successful in business, nothing meant more to Mike than his family. Mike married Debra Hall Lancaster in Germantown Baptist Church in 1987. They would have been married 38 years on March 14, 2025. The couple had three children, Kelsey McKenzie Bitner (Oxford, Mississippi), Michael Lancaster (Simpsonville, South Carolina), and Tyler Lancaster (Dallas, Texas).
Mike was best known for making time for his family no matter the circumstances. Whether playing video games until 3:00 AM, or cross-country road trips, Mike always made sure his children knew how much he enjoyed spending time with them. Mike’s grandchildren were showered with this same love and affection, and nothing lit his face up more than special visits, birthdays, or sporting events. Mike was blessed with eight grandchildren and a ninth due this May.
Above all else, Mike loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A two-time cancer survivor, Mike often claimed that cancer was the best thing to ever happen to him because it renewed his faith and strengthened his walk with Christ. Mike invested his love of the Lord into his family often through example, encouragement and sharing scripture. That unwavering relationship with Jesus gives everlasting peace.
Mike is survived by the love of his life, Debra Hall Lancaster, his children Kelsey McKenzie Bitner (Marc Bitner), Michael Lancaster (Natalie Lancaster), Tyler Lancaster (Shannon Lancaster); his brothers Larry Eades, Tommy Lancaster, George Lancaster, Jeff Lancaster, Tim Lancaster, Jim Lancaster, and Bill Lancaster; his sisters Sue Gentry, Phyllis Holman, Ruby Watts, Penny Thomas, and Peggy Massey; his grandchildren Hudson Kennedy (24), Rivers McKenzie (21), Layton McKenzie (15), Lauton Lancaster (5), James Collins Lancaster (2), Liam Lancaster (2), Lottie Lancaster (1), Eloise Lancaster (7mo); and his nieces Suzanne Eades, and Sunny Stuckey (Gid Stuckey) with whom he grew up, and many other nieces and nephews.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents Robert James Lancaster, and Hazel Hortense Lancaster; his siblings Anna Sue Lancaster, Bobby Lancaster, and John Lancaster; and his nephew Larry Eades, Jr.
The Celebration of Life service for Mike Lancaster will be held on Sunday January 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM beginning with a short visitation with service to follow in the Parlor at Germantown Baptist Church located at 9450 Poplar Ave, Germantown, Tennessee. Following the service, lunch will be provided in the Faith Building on campus.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Mike’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Glenfield Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care and arrangements of Mr. Lancaster.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
