Charles Michael “Mike” Bee

Charles Michael “Mike” Bee, age 76, of Charleston, WV, passed away on March 1st, 2026 , in Asheville, North Carolina, surrounded by family. Mike was in Asheville on vacation, celebrating his 30-year wedding anniversary with his wonderful wife, Antoinette.

Born on January 29th, 1950, in Parkersburg, WV, Mike was the son of Charles Wesley Bee and Kathleen Michael Bee. He grew up in Parkersburg, where he developed lifelong friendships and a work ethic that would carry on throughout his life.

Mike graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1967 and went on to Parkersburg Community College, then to Marietta College, where he earned a B.A. in Political Science. Mike then graduated from West Virginia University School of Law with a JD and was admitted to the West Virginia bar in 1976. He was also admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern and Northern Districts of West Virginia, the U.S. Court of Appeals (4th district), as well as many other courts throughout the United States. He was a member of the American Association for Justice (formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America) and the West Virginia Association for Justice.

Mike built a career in law and initially worked with Davis, Nesius, and Bee, then became a partner at the Preiser Law offices in South Charleston. Mike became a partner over 3 decades ago with Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee, and Deitzler in Charleston, WV, where he was known for his work in personal injury litigation with an emphasis on traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury cases. His peers and clients knew him as a man of integrity, a tireless advocate, and a relentless champion for those who suffered traumatic brain injuries. Not only did he actively represent those with traumatic brain injuries, but he was also a tremendous advocate and educator within the brain injury organizations. He was a past-president and board member of the Brain Injury Association of West Virginia, served on the board of directors of the Brain Injury Association of America , and served on the board of directors of the American Association for Justice’s Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group. He spoke throughout the country on legal and funding issues confronting traumatically brain-injured individuals and their families. He also taught at the University of Florida as an adjunct professor in their professional certification programs.

Over the years, he was also active within his community. He served as president of the South Charleston Chamber of Commerce, on the board of directors of the South Charleston Area Development Corporation, and on the board of directors of the South Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau. When he saw a need in the community or among the people he encountered, he readily sought to meet it. From a young age, he always defended the oppressed and those without a voice and cared for others’ physical needs. He was an incredibly generous man who was constantly giving of his time, talent, and treasure.

Mike was happiest when spending time with his family and friends. He loved fine wine, fine food, and preparing delicious meals. He and one of his law partners founded and co-owned Falcor Wine Cellars in Napa, California.

Those who knew him will always remember his sense of humor, keen wit, willingness to give of himself to others, and enthusiastic energy, whether it be for work or leisure. Above all, Mike cherished his family and the time spent taking family destination trips, such as spending Christmas time at Canaan Valley, WV. Spending quality time with his family was very important to Mike, and he tried to bring them together as much as possible.

He is survived by his spouse of 30 years, Antoinette Mulle’ Bee; children, Natali A. Schlottig (Frank) and Ryan M. Bee (Kate Boyenga); grandchild, Kellen A. Schlottig; siblings, Mark A. Bee (Elizabeth) and Maribeth Bee Nobles (Ronald); aunt, Jean McCauley; nephew, Jason D. Bee (Emilie); niece, Elizabeth K. Nobles; brothers-in-law, Peter Mulle and Chris Mulle; sister-in-law, Jane Rasak; nieces, Amy Gisborne, Katy Zoss, Michelle (Nick) De-Leon, and Breanna Mulle; nephews, Anthony Zoss (Audrey); and several great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by special cousins Tad Wilson, Lee Wilson, Kim Wilson, Jim Alexander, Rick Alexander, Geoff Alexander, Debbie Mills and several others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles W. Bee and Kathleen M. Bee, an infant sister, special aunts, Betty J. Bee, Mary Virginia Bee, and Dora Jean Alexander, special uncle Paul Alexander and special cousins Julian, Lucille, and Jay Wilson.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00 am on March 21st at Saint Agnes Catholic Church, 4807 Staunton Avenue in Charleston, with Father Tijo George officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mountaineer Food Bank, 484 Enterprise Drive, Gassaway, WV 26624,, or at their website: https://www.mountaineerfoodbank.org/.

Memorial contributions can also be made to the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Priest Retirement Fund, 1311 Byron Street, Wheeling. WVA. 26003 or online at www.dwc.org/phra.

“His life was a gift, and his memory will remain a blessing.”

To share a memory or leave condolences, please visit www.barlowbonsall.com

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.