Michael Allen Lightman

Michael Allen Lightman, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 after a brief illness. He was a man whose zest for life, boundless energy, and deep love for his family touched everyone who knew him.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Joanie; his children Michael Jr. (Suzana), Adam (Madeleine), and Ainsley (Wriley Gillen); and his cherished grandchildren Sienna, Aidan, Lila, Beau, Emerson, and Gabriel. He also leaves behind his brother Stephen Lightman and his wife Sue, and his sister Nancy Tashie and her husband Jimmy, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends who will miss him dearly. He is preceded in death by his father M.A. Lightman Jr. and mother Jean Lightman.

Michael was an amazing family man with a genuine lust for life. He found joy in motion-whether playing tennis or golf, riding bikes, going on hikes, or simply spending time outdoors with those he loved. His happiest moments were those spent playing with his grandchildren, cheering on his kids and grandkids in their athletic pursuits, and sharing with them his passion for sports, adventure, and the beauty of the natural world.

A dynamic real estate developer and gifted businessman, Michael was widely admired for his vision, tenacity, and what many described as a "Midas touch." Encouraged early on by his father to explore real estate, he began his career as a mortgage broker at Schumacher Mortgage Company before moving into real estate brokerage and ultimately development. Michael formed Michael Lightman Realty Co. in 1970, and over the decades he helped shape the landscape of the Memphis area through major retail projects in Bartlett and the Winchester Corridor, industrial development at Hickory Ridge Business Park, single-family residential at Morning Woods, multi-family communities in the Southwind neighborhood, and numerous movie-theater-anchored retail centers across the region. He mentored his two sons in the business and cherished working alongside them. He also took great pride in being part of the Malco Theatres family business, contributing to its growth and expansion throughout six states. These accomplishments earned him many awards including being inducted into the Memphis Area Association of Realtors Commercial Hall of Fame.

Michael enjoyed serving on the boards of Arts Memphis and The Orpheum and was a member of Temple Israel. He also cherished his time as a member of Ridgeway Country Club and Spring Creek Ranch; and many will remember him from The Racquet Club of Memphis. He was also a longtime member of the Mystic Society of The Memphis, Carnival Memphis, and served as the 2012 King of Carnival.

Michael lived by the philosophy of working hard and playing hard, a lesson he passed on to his children and grandchildren. His spirit of being adventurous, generous, fun-loving, and fiercely devoted will endure in the hearts of all who knew him. His family will forever hold him dear and strive each day to live a life that would make him proud.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in the Sanctuary of Temple Israel, 1376 E. Massey Rd., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Michael's memory to consider a donation to Carnival Children's Charities or Le Bonheur Children's Hospital.