Michael Dean "Mike" Lunsford

Michael Dean "Mike" Lunsford obituary, Gainesville, GA

Michael Dean "Mike" Lunsford

Michael Lunsford Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Memorial Park Funeral Home - Main Chapel on Jan. 9, 2024.
To view the service for Mr. Lunsford, go to Facebook; Memorial Park Funeral Homes and Cemeteries (like our page if you have not already done so) then once the service begins it will appear on our page.
Mike Lunsford, 84, of Gainesville, GA, passed away on January 8, 2024. Born on March 28, 1939, in Whiting, Indiana, USA, Mike was a beloved husband, devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Mike was known for his fun-loving nature, kindness, and work ethic. He was friend and quick to share a smile and a joke, bringing joy to those around him.
In his early years, Mike attended George Rogers Clark High School, graduating with the class of 1956. He furthered his education at Indiana University.
After completing his education, Mike served as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964. Mike was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. Mike was a proud veteran.
Following his military service, Mike embarked on a successful career. He began as an entry-level clerk at Wyman-Gordon. When the company decided to establish a computer department, Mike's aptitude test results at IBM were the highest recorded. Mike recalled that the IBM test was where his IT career began. Mike held management roles at Wyman-Gordon and Rome Industries in Cedartown, Georgia before relocating to Gainesville, Georgia, where he worked as the IT Manager at Indalex Aluminum Solutions until his retirement in 2004.
Outside of work, Mike had many hobbies and interests. He moved to Georgia in 1976 and embraced life in the warm south. He coached Little League alongside his best friend, Raymond Kuglar and was a dedicated fan of his grandchildren's varied activities. He was an active member of the Lakeshore Squares square dancing club and enjoyed square dancing with his wife and their many friends. For years, Mike was an avid runner and a dedicated member of the Lanier Running Club. He ran the Peachtree Road Race at least 20 times and completed a half-marathon. Traveling the world with his wife was a passion that brought them both great joy. In retirement, Mike and Shari became snowbirds and spent their winters with friends at Siesta Bay in Fort Myers, Florida. The annual trip to Florida was one of Mike's favorite things.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Shari Lovig Lunsford, his children Kevin (Janet) Lunsford, Melissa (Darrell) Rodgers, Jeni (Cody) Summers, his grandchildren Rachel Lunsford, Daniel Lunsford, Kristen Lunsford, Andrew Rodgers, Zachary Rodgers, Bryce Summers, Baylie Summers, and his great-grandson Thomas Lunsford. Mike leaves behind many extended family members and devoted friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Beulah Arnold Lunsford, his father William Ray Lunsford, his brother William Lunsford, his sister Joan Strbiak, and his first wife Jane Germany Lunsford.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 13, 2024 in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. Darrell Rodgers, Louis McClure and Steve Lovig will officiate. The family will receive friends Saturday at Memorial Park Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.
In memory of Mike Lunsford, contributions can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation.
Mike's presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. His legacy of kindness, laughter, and hard work will continue to inspire and bring comfort to those who hold him dear.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 is in charge of arrangements.
*****To view the service for Mr. Lunsford, go to Facebook; Memorial Park Funeral Homes and Cemeteries (like our page if you have not already done so) then once the service begins it will appear on our page.*****
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Sign Michael Lunsford's Guest Book

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May 2, 2024

Ben Anderson posted to the memorial.

January 10, 2024

Teresa & Yashu Kayse posted to the memorial.

January 10, 2024

Yashu Kayse posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Ben Anderson

May 2, 2024

He was always nice to me. As I'm older I don't even know if he actually liked me. LOL. It was enough for him that I was his son's first real friend in Cedartown.

Teresa & Yashu Kayse

January 10, 2024

We met Mike as he was barbecuing at Shari´s house, just happy to be outside. As we spent more time with them, they were like teenagers in love, so cute. One memory is of Mike & Shari coming to our house after our daughter moved away. We wanted to paint her old room in GT colors and display our collectibles. Mike offered to help paint, even though he´s a GA Bulldog fan! We found out later he hates to paint but thought this would help us to like him. But, of course we already did! He made Shari happy.
Over the years trips were shared, Mike introduced us to the beauty of Fort Myers and the beach; he was given a surprise 80th Birthday party at their Florida home & we drove down to be a part of the surprise. There must have been 40 people there, all who knew Shari & Mike thru square dancing, biking and running. Mike had a wonderful life and I´m so happy we had Mike in our lives.

Yashu Kayse

January 10, 2024

We loved Mike and how he loved my sister. Then, we met Mike´s kids. Meeting Missy (Melissa) & Darrell as young marrieds, watching their boys as they grew, being included in family gatherings with Darrel´s family too. All those beautiful family times we shared because Mike loved my sister enriched our lives in so many ways.

Teresa Kayse

January 10, 2024

Our first meeting with Mike was at Shari´s house, Mike at the BBQ. He was happy to be outside cooking for others. Watching Shari & Mike through those early years together, they seemed like teenagers in love.
As our daughter moved from home, we wanted to paint her old room and set it up as a GT theme room. Even though Mike would have preferred a GA Bulldog room, he offered to help with the painting, I learned later he hated to paint but he wanted us to like & accept him. But we already had!
We are so happy that Mike loved our sister, Shari; they enjoyed the same things, being active and enjoying the world around them. We will always remember our times together & always miss our brother-in-law, Mike.

Rodney Mcfall

January 10, 2024

Kevin and Missy, I´m so sorry to hear about your dad. One of my best memories is that he took Kevin an I to my first NASCAR race. He was a good man

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Sign Michael Lunsford's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 2, 2024

Ben Anderson posted to the memorial.

January 10, 2024

Teresa & Yashu Kayse posted to the memorial.

January 10, 2024

Yashu Kayse posted to the memorial.