Michael Cleghorn

Michael Cleghorn, 61, of Carrollton, Georgia, formerly of Ocilla, died Monday, February 23, 2026, at his residence in Carrollton.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Friday, February 27, 2026, at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Ocilla, Georgia, with the Rev. James Griffin officiating. Jimmy Cleghorn will give the eulogy. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home in Ocilla.

Mr. Cleghorn was born September 3, 1964, in Ocilla, Georgia. He was very athletic in his younger years playing baseball, football and basketball. He worked for Shaw Industries and Forest River. He obtained his CNA certificate when his late wife, Darlene, was undergoing cancer treatments in order to help care for her. Mr. Cleghorn loved God and enjoyed being outdoors and watching NASCAR. He was an avid fisherman as well and spent many hours with his first cousin Benny Cleghorn on various adventures. He enjoyed grilling and smoking meats and cooked for his co-workers and family often. He will be remembered for his BBQ sauce.

He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Linda Cleghorn of Carrollton; children: Heather Culpepper (Chad) of Ocilla, Kayla Haire (Allen) of Waterloo, Jimmy Cleghorn (Harleigh Colter) of Ocilla, Courtney Shiver (Emily) of Ocilla, David Ryals (Keri) of Fitzgerald, Mindy Lackey of Carrollton, and Sandy Lackey-McClung (Tyler) of Carrollton; grandchildren: Jackson Culpepper, Henli Culpepper, Charlee Haire, Ava Haire, Davina Cleghorn, Haisley Cleghorn, Michael Little, Mason Little, Shelby McClung, and Wyatt McClung; parents: Betty Walker Hendley and the late Alfred Loren Hendley of Ocilla and Judy Register Cleghorn and the late Donald Russell Cleghorn, Sr. of Ocilla; siblings: Brenda Fletcher (Rick) of Waterloo, Joy Edenfield (James) of Dallas, North Carolina, and April Cleghorn Watson of Ohio; sister-in-law, Paula Cleghorn of Ocilla; along with several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Donald Cleghorn, Jr. and Christopher Brett Carter; and a brother-in-law, John D. Kennedy.

The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Gideons International, c/o Ben Hill-Irwin Camp, P.O. Box 752, Fitzgerald GA 31750 or to the National Wildlife Federation, P.O. Box 1583, Merrifield VA 22116-1583.

Paulk Funeral Home, Ocilla, is in charge of arrangements.