Michael Robert Saine, 78, of Shelby, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026 at the Willow Ridge Assisted Living and Rehabilitation in Rutherfordton, NC. A native of Rutherford County, he was born January 5, 1948 to the late Robert Edmund Saine and the late Ruth Bailey Saine.

Mike was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran. He loved and respected the Navy and was always ready to honor any veteran by being a member of the American Legion Honor Guard where he participated in many veteran funeral services through the years. Mike retired from Freightliner Parts Plant in Gastonia following over 28 years of dedicated service.

Survivors include his cousins, Grayson Saine and wife Wanda, of Shelby, Mary Trevitz, of Forest City, and and Sharon Hicks, of Rutherfordton.

Military Honors will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 in the Western North Carolina Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. His remains will be placed in a niche following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Legion Shelby Post #82, 1628 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC 28152.

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.