Michael Allen Lightcap

WEAVERVILLE - Michael Allen Lightcap, age 84, of Weaverville, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026, after a battle with cancer. Mike was born August 30, 1942, in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri and grew up in Shawnee, Kansas. He was a 1960 graduate of Shawnee Mission North High School and moved with his family to Orlando, Florida shortly after graduation.

Arriving in Orlando, Mike pursued his interests in drag racing and auto mechanics. He became a mechanic with Firestone but found a new talent in painting the lettering on race cars. He expanded this talent with training at the Orange County Vocational School commercial art department. He was eventually employed in the art department of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper for twenty-five years having become Art Director for the paper.

During his adult years Mike served his country for six years as a member of the United States Army Reserve 3269 Garrison Unit and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant prior to his honorable discharge. He also developed skills at building layouts for model trains and in collecting antique automobiles.

After retirement Mike became known in many parts of the southeast and midwest United States for his unique production of art glass pieces. The variety and beauty of what he made has been appreciated by many people in the United States as well as Europe over the years. Mike continued doing art shows and showing his work in galleries when he moved from Florida to North Carolina in 2009.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Edwin Lightcap and Doris Knapp Lightcap; and his son, Allen Edwin Lightcap. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Kathy Lucas Lightcap of Weaverville; brother, Patrick Lightcap (Helen) of Madison, Florida; niece, Sherilyn Pickels (Brad) of Madison, Florida; and one grandnephew, Jarrett Pickels of Madison, Florida.

Arrangements are being made by West Funeral Home in Weaverville, NC. Pastor Stuart Lamkin of the First Baptist Church of Weaverville will be doing the eulogy as will a few of Mike’s closest friends. The Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 3 p.m. at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave. Weaverville, NC 28787.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to: Senior Meal Center, First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 547, Weaverville, NC 28787.