Michael Robert Povia

Michael Robert Povia

March 3, 2015

Michael Robert "Mike" Povia, 72 of Gatlinburg, TN passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Dominion Assisted Living Center in Sevierville. Born in Mobile, Alabama, son of Frances and James Povia, Sr., he lived most of his life in Fort Myers, Florida before moving to Gatlinburg, TN in 1990.

Mike established Povia Paints, Inc., a paint manufacturing company in Fort Myers, Florida in 1968 which he owned and operated until 1990. He sold the business to move to the Great Smoky Mountains to pursue his passion of hiking.

He was an avid hiker who participated yearly in Wilderness Wildlife Week guiding hikes. Mike, along with friends Lee Lewis and Eric Bettis, set out on November 7, 1993 to hike all 6 trails to Mt. LeConte (43 miles) in one day. Mike and Lee completed the hike in 22 hours and 29 minutes. Eric was unable to complete the trek due to an injury. The record they set has since been broken but as Mike would say, "What was the name of the 2nd man on the moon?"

He was particularly fond of off trail hiking and was well known for surprising hikers with a meal of red beans and rice and chocolate cake.

In addition to hiking, Mike enjoyed the shooting range with his friends and children, taking his grandchildren to Greenbrier to skip rocks and swim, and watching Alabama football. He especially enjoyed his monthly "Garden Parties" with close friends Bill Burr, Eric Bettis, Jim Hamm and Lee Lewis.

Mike served in the United States Army from 1960-1966.

He was preceded in death by his son, David Bennett (1991). Mike is survived by his wife of 45 years, Charlene Povia; daughters, Ann Bennett (David) Rankin of Sevierville, TN, Amy (Bobby) Osburn of Franklin, TN; and sons, Michael Bennett of Nashville, TN; Joel (Denise) Bennett, Jr. of Fort Myers, FL; Mike Povia, Jr (Birgit) of Salt Springs, FL and Steven (Heather) Povia of Clermont, FL, as well as his grandchildren, Eric, Thomas, Archie, Brandon, Daniel, Tamara, Harley, Samantha, Whitney, Makayla, Kyleigh, Carson, Addison and Ryan; great-grandchildren, River, Sage, Jayson and Cody; siblings, Arlene Miley, Christine Povia, Jimmy Povia.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Friends of the Smokies, P.O. Box 1660, Kodak, TN 37764.

The family will receive friends 2-4 PM Saturday with memorial service to follow at 4 PM in the West Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with David Rankin officiating. American Legion Post # 104 will provide military honors. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville, TN. Online condolences may be made at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com