Dr. McLemore is a graduate of Tanner High School (1966) and attended John C. Calhoun Junior College, Athens. Alabama. He served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1969-1973. Brother Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Samford University (1976) and a Master of Divinity Degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1979). In May of 2002, Dr. McLemore was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from the University of Mobile.

In September of 1983, Brother Mike became the Senior Pastor of Lakeside Baptist Church until becoming Executive Director of Birmingham Baptist Association in February 2007. Throughout his pastoral ministry, Brother Mike served at many levels of Southern Baptist life. He served as First-Vice President of the Alabama Baptist State Convention (1999-2000), and was elected President of the Alabama Baptist State Convention (2001-2002). He served on the Committee on Committees and the Tellers Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention and is currently a Trustee of NAMB.

He and his wife, the former Wanda Casteel, are natives of Athens, Alabama. They have three adult children: Brandon (& wife, Leigh) McLemore of Birmingham, Al.; Mrs. Britney (& husband Andy John) King of Athens, Al; and Mrs. Bonnie (& husband, Luke) Britt of Birmingham, Al. They have six grandchildren: Molly and Mason McLemore; Kole and Adason Britt; Davis & Noelle King.