Michael N Florida

Michael Napoleon Florida, "Mike" to those who knew and loved him, age 69, was born in Holly, Michigan, died July 1, 2025, in McMinnville, Tennessee, due to a lingering illness. Survivors include his sisters, Loretta Ann Smith and Sheila Florida Younglove, brother, James Milton (Angie) Florida, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and maternal aunts, Dean Johnson and Sue Banker, and numerous cousins. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Lee Florida and Hetty Maureen (Hooper) Florida, siblings, Flora Caroline "Jackie" Hedger, William Albert Florida, Timothy Owen Florida, and Lonnie John Florida, and nephew, William A. "Billy" Florida, Jr., as well as his maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts and uncles. Mike was an unassuming man, humble to the extreme, highly intelligent, loyal, kind, and honest. Although he graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Spanish and teaching, he primarily worked on a line in manufacturing or on a road crew. He also held a third-degree black belt in Aikido karate and studied Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Mike was self-taught on the concertina, guitar and harmonica, and was adept at chess and art. Mike studied the Hebrew alphabet and Hebrew language and maintained fluency in Spanish. He was well-read and well-traveled and loved movies, music, and poetry, and could quote or identify either without hesitation. As if that were not enough, Mike rode a unicycle and could juggle. He loved fishing and enjoyed family get-togethers and eating. Additionally, he studied master gardening, earning a beautification award from the Ben Lomand Garden Club. He loved working in his yard, planting native species and pollinators. Mike was an interesting individual, to be sure but, most importantly, he loved his family and will be greatly missed. Per his wishes Mike was cremated and no services are planned. McMinnville Funeral Home and McMinnville Crematory LLC are in charge of arrngements. 931-473-6606.