Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John McMichael Obituary
HARROGATE, Tenn. — John L. "Big John" McMichael, Harrogate, Tenn., died Thursday, January 23, 2020 at his home. He was born on September 10, 1940 in Anderson County, Kentucky, the son of the late John G. and Nora Brown McMichael. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jimmie Parker McMichael and his former wife, Patsy Berry McMichael.
He is survived by his sons: John Leslie (Carrie Fay) McMichael of Bristol, Virginia and Daniel Andrew (Stacie) McMichael of Speedwell, Tennessee; sister, Betty (Carl) Heinemann of Chattanooga, Tennessee and her daughter, Susan Heinemann (Roy) Selveria with her three children; four granddaughters: Candace Leslie (Logan) Dilday of Richmond, Virginia, Kayla McMichael of Speedwell, Tennessee, Courtney (Neal) Jones of Speedwell, Tennessee and Chelsey Raeann McMichael of Bristol, Virginia and five great grandchildren.
He graduated rom the University of Kentucky in 1963 with a degree in Civil Engineering. In his forty-five year engineering career, he worked for the Kentucky Department of transportation, four engineering firms, three contractors and was in private practice.
He worked on the construction of Interstate Highway 75 and the Natcher Parkway in Kentucky, US 58 in Virginia and the Cumberland Gap Tunnel. He served as Project Manager on the Steel Street Tunnel Repairs in Salisbury, North Carolina, expansion of U.S. 27 in Somerset, Kentucky from four to six lanes, the Grundy Floodwall/Highway project in Virginia and numerous water, sewer, railroad, coal loading, flood control and site development projects.
He was an avid big game hunter and hunted in ten states including Alaska and in Canada. In his retirement he hunted, managed his mini-farm on the Tennessee-Virginia line and wrote articles for various magazines. He was a charter member of Middlesboro Elks Lodge No. 119 and served as President for three terms.
At his request, his body will be cremated and his ashes scattered on his farm. Graveside services will be private.
Shumate Funeral Home is honored to serve the McMichael Family and is entrusted with all arrangements.
Candle Lighting and Guestbook at www.shumatefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John McMichael
2 Entries
January 31, 2020
To John's family -- I am saddened to learn of John's passing. He was a classmate at Sand Spring, Anderson High and UK and a neighbor as well.
Peace by with the family.
Edward Allen Carter
Lexidngton,Ky
Charles H. Grace
January 25, 2020
John Jr. and Family,
Sorry to hear about my friend, my mentor, and professional colleague, Big John.
A true gentleman, a true professional.
He will be truly missed.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in John McMichael's name
Memorial Events
for John McMichael
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John McMichael's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
