Michael Neil Quarles

Michael Neil Quarles, 74, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Tampa, Florida.
Michael is survived by his son, Timothy (Sarah), and former wife, Janet Stevens Quarles, who all preceded their beloved son and brother, Andrew S. Quarles. He is also survived by his sister, Cynthia Q. Abbott, and his granddaughters, Samantha Jean Quarles (22), Alyssa Nicole Quarles (20), Cynthia Denise Quarles (16), and Macey Gail Quarles (9).
His memory lives on with his brother-in-law, Tommy Beacham, his nieces, Natalie B. Robinson (Chris) and Melissa B. Leizear (Thomas), his great-nephew and great-niece, Drew and Layla Robinson, and his companion, Carol Ann Beres.
Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Neil W. Quarles and Claudia Jones Quarles, and sister, Beverly Q. Beacham.
Michael was born on October 6, 1950, in Atlanta, Georgia. His parents, Neil and Claudia, gave Mike and his sisters an idyllic childhood in Decatur, Georgia. Growing up Mike played different sports including baseball, football, soccer, and at Georgia Tech, lacrosse. He had many interests and was an Episcopal acolyte, Explorer scout, and National Honor Society member.
After graduating from SW DeKalb High School, he attended Georgia Institute of Technology and earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. While at Tech, he enlisted in the Navy's Reserve Officer Training Corps, which he followed by enlisting in the United States Navy in 1973. Michael served three years during the Vietnam War on the aircraft carrier, USS Coral Sea, and the destroyer ship, USS Mitscher, during which he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Upon his return stateside, he met Janet Stevens at the Norfolk Naval Hospital. They fell in love and married on March 25, 1978. From there, they built a life and family together. Michael's early career moved them to Atlanta, Chattanooga, Danville, Norfolk, West Palm Beach, and finally to Brandon, Florida in 1984.
Michael was very involved in and often coached his sons' various sports teams, whether it was soccer, football, or basketball. Michael was an avid football fan, a golf enthusiast, and overall enjoyed attending any sporting event-which he and his sons did often. Lasting memories were made at The National Championship game in 1990 (Georgia Tech vs. Nebraska), The First World Series game for the Tampa Bay Rays and countless Lightning, Orlando Magic and Bucs games. Above all else, Mike was a Georgia Tech "Helluva Engineer!"
He was a passionate classic rock fan and had an extensive collection of music. The love of rock music must be genetic, as hundreds of his vinyl albums have been shared with his granddaughters. Mike also enjoyed gardening and passed on this horticulture hobby to his son, Tim.
Later in life, Mike joined Ye Enchanted Krewe of Brigadoon, a pirate club of camaraderie, with a love for the mystical Scottish life. Yes, he even wore a kilt. His granddaughters were able to join the Gasparilla Children's Parade festivities with him.
Granddaddy Mike was highly vested in his granddaughters' lives throughout their formative years. They remember him fondly and visited him regularly as he battled Parkinson's disease.
There are not enough words to express our gratitude for his caregivers, Jasmine and Chastity, and all the dedicated staff at Angels Senior Living, who were there with him constantly during the days leading up to his passing.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 16. Please reach out to Tim and family for additional details.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations be made to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson Research-which is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease and developing improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's today.