Charles Michael "Mike" Bee

Charles Michael “Mike” Bee, age 76, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on March 1, 2026, in Asheville, North Carolina, surrounded by his family. He was on vacation in Asheville, celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Antoinette.

Born on January 29, 1950, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Mike was the son of Charles Wesley Bee and Kathleen Michael Bee. He grew up in Parkersburg, where he formed lifelong friendships and developed a strong work ethic. A 1967 graduate of Parkersburg High School, he went on to earn a B.A. in Political Science from Marietta College and a J.D. from West Virginia University School of Law. Admitted to the West Virginia bar in 1976, he was also licensed to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of West Virginia, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and numerous other courts across the country.

Mike built a distinguished legal career focused on personal injury litigation, with a particular emphasis on traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury cases. He was a partner at Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee, and Deitzler in Charleston for more than three decades. Known for his integrity and tireless advocacy, he was a champion for those who had suffered life-altering injuries. He served as past president and board member of the Brain Injury Association of West Virginia, on the board of directors of the Brain Injury Association of America, and on the board of the American Association for Justice’s Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group. He spoke nationally on legal and funding issues affecting brain-injured individuals and their families and taught as an adjunct professor in the University of Florida’s professional certification programs.

Beyond his professional life, Mike was deeply committed to his community, serving as president of the South Charleston Chamber of Commerce and on the boards of the South Charleston Area Development Corporation and the South Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau. He was known for his generosity, his keen wit, and his enthusiastic approach to both work and life. He loved fine wine and food, co-founding Falcor Wine Cellars in Napa, California, with a law partner. Above all, he cherished time with his family, whether preparing meals, sharing laughter, or gathering for special trips such as Christmas at Canaan Valley.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Antoinette Mulle’ Bee; children Natali A. Schlottig (Frank) and Ryan M. Bee (Kate Boyenga); grandson 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; nephew 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 many others.

Mike 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.

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