Michael Joseph PICKERING

PICKERING, Michael Joseph

was born in Clarksdale, MS, November 18, 1931, and died peacefully surrounded by family and friends October 28, 2017.

He embraced his life with strength of character and purpose.

Michael exchanged his Eagle Scout uniform for that of a Navy Corpsman in The Korean War, ultimately achieving rank of Lt. Commander. It was in the military that his passion for medicine and healing began, graduating first in his class at The University of Florida Medical School. He concluded his military service as a decorated flight surgeon.

Upon completing his naval service he returned to his alma mater as a professor, and is a member of the esteemed University of Florida Hall of Fame. Even upon his retirement, when asked about his 48 years of practicing medicine, he remarked simply and unabashedly, "Going to work everyday was like going to a candy store."

Dr. Pickering served not only the patients entrusted to his care, but in an international manner, educating and lecturing both current and future nephrologists and internal medicine practitioners. He was an active member of the Tampa Bay Latin American Medical Society for 28 years and honored to be chosen as their Dr. of the Year for 2002.

Throughout his distinguished career he was President of Florida Society of Internal Medicine, Florida Society of Nephrology, and most recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Society of Nephrology.

Michael's hands were for healing, but his heart longed for adventures, and the faster the better; be it driving racecars at Talledega and Daytona or flying down a Colorado Black Diamond slope. Michael lived and loved life's journeys. His quest of learning molded his travel plans, with museums and local art galleries at the top of each itinerary. He treasured time spent with his companions at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club and Tampa Yacht and Country Club. He was competitive. If you were keeping score, he wanted to be the best. That was both helpful and hurtful with his beloved game of golf.

Most beloved to Michael were his cherished family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Micky; daughter, Pricilla (Kim) Pickering Backus; grandchildren, Courtney (Hunter) Norton, Jacquelyn (Brian) Harrison, Kelsey Backus; and great-grandchildren, Lawson, Holt, and Harper.

A memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, 906 S. Orleans Ave., Tampa, FL, December 2, at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Lifepath Hospice.

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