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Michael Willard Shannon Obituary
Dr. Michael Willard Shannon was an accomplished optometrist and humanitarian, devoted husband of Tane Robson Shannon, adoring father of Kaylan Kathryne Shannon Cagle, Michael Willard Shannon (deceased in 2017) and Rachel Ryleigh Shannon, and beloved brother of Edward Hogan Shannon Jr. and Elaine Shannon.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at Chestnut Mountain Church with Jerry Cagle and Todd Robson officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m.
Mike was born Oct. 5, 1957, in Gainesville to Emily Kathryne Wallace Shannon, originally from Griffin, and Dr. Edward Hogan Shannon Sr., an optometrist in Gainesville. He graduated from Georgia State University in 1981 and Southern College of Optometry in 1985. He launched his optometric practice in Cumming and expanded to offices in Buford and Flowery Branch. He was a member of the Georgia Optometric Association, which honored him with its Legislative Service award. His patients voted him the Best of Forsyth Best Optometrist multiple times, an honor for which he was very grateful. As well, he was recognized as one of America's Top Optometrists in the publication by that name.
In 2003, he received the Lions club international award for humanitarian services.
Mike was an avid tennis player in high school and college. He loved scuba diving, golfing and hiking. For his 60th birthday, he went hang-gliding with his daughter Ryleigh.
He was a member of Chestnut Mountain Church, where his son-in-law Jared Cagle is associate pastor.
His brother Edward Hogan Shannon Jr., is an optometrist in Gainesville, Ga., carrying on the family tradition. His sister Elaine Shannon is a journalist and author in Washington, D.C.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Straight Street Ministry, 2145 Centennial Drive Gainesville, GA 30504, 678-989-0255, www.ssrevolution.com.
Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Willard Shannon
Sponsored by Memorial Park Funeral Home - Main Chapel Cemetery and Funeral Home.
Kim Hays
March 23, 2018
I share in the sadness experienced by family, friends & coworkers over the passing of Dr. Shannon. I feel blessed to have been one of his patients. He was such a sincere & caring man.
Bridget Cobb
March 14, 2018
Dr. Shannon has seen me since I was 8 years old so 28 years. He was such a wonderful man who loved what he did and was always so caring and compassionate making me laugh the whole office visit. He even has started to see my children now. I know he loved his family as he talked of them often every time as well. my prayers are with you and your family for I know you will miss this precious man dearly even though we know he is in a better place.
Ken Morrison
March 14, 2018
I met Michael in January 2017 and again last month for my eye exams. He was the best professionally and made me feel like I had known him for years. My sincerest condolences go out to his family and loved ones. He was one of a kind and will be missed .
May he now rest in God's eternal love .
Terry Ray
March 13, 2018
I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to the Shannon family. I was a patient of Mike for many years and he was absolutely the best. He was extremely helpful and made sure that my needs were always met. He will be greatly missed. He was a great person.
Joel and Kim Benefield
March 12, 2018
We are very sorry for your loss Tane we love you and are praying for you and your family. Love Joel and Kim Benefield
Shauna Fravel
March 12, 2018
I'm heartbroken. I have never seen another eye Dr in 30 years. My only eye Dr since I wad 15. I will truly miss you and your wonderful sense of humor. My condolences to the Shannon family.
Shauna Fravel
Marcia Hitt
March 12, 2018
May God's comforting arms hold you all close during this difficult time. He was a wonderful man and always so caring with his patients. He will be dearly missed.
Debbie Collins
March 12, 2018
Prayers for Tane and the family.
Ginny Crumley
March 12, 2018
Keeping all of you in our prayers! So very sorry to hear this sad news. Know you are loved by so many and Mike will be terribly missed. Love, Ginny and Al Crumley
Keith Bardes
March 12, 2018
I have known Mike since before high school and alot of time had gone by when he walked into my pharmacy and introduced himself a few years ago. I remember how personable he was and I enjoyed his company immediately. Our professional relationship quickly became a special friendship where we found ourselves having deep conversations --Mike listened so well and shared alot of "life" things with me--for which I am eternally grateful. He loved his family, was a very spiritual man, and a good friend that I will dearly miss. My life is much better for having known my big-hearted friend---Mike Shannon.
Ken Kirkland
March 11, 2018
Mike was a classmate of mine in optometry school. It didn't take long for us to become good friends. Both of us being from Georgia certainly helped but it was really Mike's incredible outgoing personality and his sense of humor that would light up the room. Laughter got us through for sure. I've been in the Dallas TX area for the past 30 years and lost touch with Mike. I knew he'd be a successful optometrist. He had the knowledge and the personality to connect with his patients.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Tane and all family members. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Mike will truly be missed
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Memorial Events
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Mar
13
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Memorial Park Funeral Home - Main Chapel2030 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, GA 30504
Mar
13
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Memorial Park Funeral Home - Main Chapel2030 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, GA 30504
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Memorial Park Funeral Home - Main Chapel2030 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, GA 30504
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