Michael Telford

Michael Telford, 92, of Concord, NC, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on April 17, 2026.

A memorial service to celebrate Michael's life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Pitts Baptist Church, with Rev. Scott Davis and Rev. Sammy Pierce officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

The service will be livestreamed at the following link: https://www.pittsbaptistchurch.com/watch-live

Born on November 17, 1933, in Durban, South Africa, Michael was the son of the late John Telford and the late Doris Avery Telford.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his son, Nolan Roy Telford "Pomps"; his granddaughter, Selma Anna Telford; and his sister, Colleen Proctor.

Michael was a dedicated and accomplished businessman in the wholesale shoe and manufacturing industry. As the owner and founder of Footwear Factors International, he built a respected and successful enterprise through hard work, discipline, and vision. He also founded and co-owned Neptun Boot, a prominent manufacturer of Wellington boots, helping grow a brand that became widely recognized across Southern Africa and beyond. Michael took great pride in his work and in providing for his family through his entrepreneurial spirit. After many years of leadership and success, he sold his business in 1998, marking the close of an extraordinary professional chapter defined by perseverance and achievement.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Michael was a longtime and devoted member of Lake Normal Baptist Church and subsequently Pitts Baptist Church, where he had been active since 2010. His faith was a steady foundation throughout his life, guiding his decisions, shaping his character, and providing him strength through both challenges and blessings. He lived his beliefs quietly but faithfully, finding comfort in scripture, worship, and the fellowship of his church community.

Michael was a man of strong character, quiet wisdom, and deep devotion to his family. He loved golf and was a member of the Divots, a golf group at the Durban Country Club in South Africa, and the Lions Club in the States. He also enjoyed rugby, fishing, birdwatching, travel, following the stock market, and finding a good bargain. In South Africa, he was especially proud of helping establish the Inselweni Bush Camp in the Umfolozi Game Reserve, a place that held many treasured memories for him and his family over the years.

Above all, Michael loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life was marked by hard work, loyalty, and love. His family will remember him for his strength, his wisdom, his frugal nature, and the many ways he cared for those he loved. He especially cherished time spent with his family-whether at home, traveling, or on special trips together, including a wonderful family reunion in Greece in 2007 - creating lasting memories across generations.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Wendy Janet Moon Telford; his children, Bruce Telford and wife Anne of Mooresville, NC, Walter Telford of New York City, David Telford and wife Maria of Troutman, NC, Rodney Telford and wife Pamela of Oregon, and Julia King and husband Andrew of Huntersville, NC; his grandchildren, Struan Telford and wife Kayla, Sarah Bell and husband Christopher, Michael Telford, Liam Telford, Tom Telford, Lily Telford, Eagan Telford, Calum King, Joshua King, and Hannah King; and his great-grandchildren, Ronin Telford, Vivian Telford, and Natalie Bell. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pitts Baptist Church, 140 Pitts School Rd NW, Concord, NC 28027.

Michael's life was one of faith, resilience, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, devotion to family, and a life well lived across continents and generations. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.