Michael D. Pilcher

Michael D. Pilcher of Panama City, Florida, stepped into eternity on Easter Sunday, March 31st. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, on May 20th, 1958, to parents Clarence and Imogene Pilcher, who raised him in St. Andrews, Florida.
From a young age, Michael demonstrated an inquisitive, intelligent, and enterprising mind: at age fourteen, he began cycling to St. Andrews' marina to work on fishing boats, and these daily expeditions sparked a lifelong passion for saltwater and deep-sea fishing.
At age fifteen, Michael met the love of his life, Barbara, and the two wed after graduating from Bay High School in 1976. Michael earned his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University and was employed for twenty-six years at Farley Nuclear Plant near Dothan, Alabama.
During his life, Michael's many adventures included the birth of his two children, Dustin and Alicia, managing a tuna-fishing boat he named the Barbara Ann, earning his realtor's license, tackling innumerable mechanical and construction projects, traveling to all fifty states, and hiking along the Appalachian trail. Along the way, he met and valued many lifelong friends.
Michael was a long-time member of The Church at East Bay where he served as deacon and on several administrative committees. He travelled on mission trips, drove the church van, and visited with families in the community. His passion in ministry was helping others by providing mechanical and construction services. He will be dearly missed by his church family.
Michael most enjoyed spending time with his family: he loved working on projects with his children and sharing laughter with those around him. He was a doting PawPaw to three adoring grandchildren.
Michael will leave a lasting impact on the lives of all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Pilcher. Those who will cherish his memory include his wife of 47 years, Barbara Pilcher née Welch; his two children, Dustin (Sarah) Pilcher and Alicia (Colin) Jones; his three grandchildren, Lydia, Jacob, and Dylan; his mother, Imogene Pilcher; his brother, Edwin (Karen) Pilcher; and many other close family members and friends.
Visitation will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Friday, April 5th, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Family and friends will celebrate Michael's life on Saturday, April 6th, 11:00 a.m., at The Church at East Bay (508 Hwy. 2297).