Christopher John Michalik, 65, of Columbia, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023. Born on January 8, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan, he was the son of Geraldine Maday Michalik and the late John Michalik. He was the loving husband of 35 years to Candice Michalik.

Chris graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Taylor, Michigan, with the senior class of '76. He attended and earned his Bachelor's of Electrical Engineering from General Motors Institute, now known as Kettering University. He went on to earn his Master's of Science in Manufacturing Management from the GMI Engineering and Management Institute in 1987. Chris had a successful career as an engineer in quality management. He began his career working in the product testing lab at Fisher Body in Warren, MI, where he met his wife Candy in August of 1983. Chris then transferred to Cadillac in Detroit, MI working on anti-lock brake systems. Eventually he left GM and took a position with ITT Automotive. His position with ITT lead him to move to Asheville, NC for his first managerial role. He held numerous other Senior Quality Manager positions with Takata, GKN, Federal Mogul, BMW, and most recently HEYCO Werk USA, Inc. in Emporia, Virginia.

Chris and Candy were married at the Mariner's Cathedral in Detroit, MI on June 4th, 1988. Five years later they moved from Michigan to Asheville, NC where their daughter, Leah Christine Michalik, was born in 1995 and completed their family. In addition to his wife, daughter, and mother, Chris is survived by brothers, Mark Michalik (Joan) and Kenneth Michalik (Stephanie); as well as loving nieces and nephew.

Chris was a passionate Michigan Wolverines football fan and also became a Carolina Gamecock fan after daughter, Leah, attended the University of South Carolina. He enjoyed attending football games and Nascar races on the weekends. Throughout the years he enjoyed golfing, boating, and hiking. He also ran in the annual Detroit Free Press Marathon. He loved spending time on the beach or in the mountains with his family. Chris was kind, humble, and fondly remembered for being generous to a fault, he will be dearly missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231, Harvest Hope Food Bank, 2220 Shop Rd, Columbia, SC 29201, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 2101 Rexford Rd #165W, Charlotte, NC 28211.

A memorial service for Mr. Michalik will be held at a later date. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.