Michael William Stock

Michael "Mike" Stock was born on September 7, 1943, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and grew up swimming, fishing, and boating in Portage Lakes of Ohio-where his lifelong love of water, adventure, and the outdoors first took hold.

A natural builder and explorer, Mike built cars, rode and raced motorcycles, and flew sailplanes. He earned an associate's degree in mechanical engineering, a field well suited to his analytical mind and love of understanding how things work. He served his country aboard the USS Fiske during the Vietnam War as a radio countermeasures operator, bringing the same curiosity and technical skill to his service that would define the rest of his life.

Mike never stopped learning. When something captured his interest, he dove in completely-whether it was sous vide cooking techniques, heritage pig breeds, oyster farming, astrophysics, gardening, or countless other subjects. But more than acquiring knowledge, he delighted in sharing it. He wrote, taught, coached, and mentored throughout his life. Nothing made him happier than explaining a concept, demonstrating a process, or helping someone discover their own curiosity.

At every gathering - large or small- Mike could be found with his Nikon camera in hand, capturing moments and faces. He especially loved handing that camera to a curious young person, offering tips on composition and lighting, and sending them off to see the world differently. Teaching the "right way" to do things was his quiet art - whether that meant perfect ribs on the Big Green Egg, properly cleaning a stove, or slicing an onion with precision.

Mike's professional life reflected his wide-ranging interests and entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, he worked in sales, owned a personnel company, served as a bonding agent and warehouse manager, owned the Copper Kettle cookware store, and worked as a setup chef at the Cooking Scene school. He was a chef and recipe developer for Kroger and contributed his talents to logistics for the Atlanta Olympics. Each role added another chapter to a life defined by curiosity, leadership, and generosity.

His volunteer work and community involvement were just as meaningful. Known as the "Papa of Peppers" on The Chef and The Fatman radio show, he shared recipes, stories, and enthusiasm with countless listeners. He was known online and in the Atlanta Food and Beer community as "GadgetGeek" and had a following for his restaurant reviews. He contributed photos and recipes to local publications, volunteered with the Snellville Farmers Market and Community Garden, and mentored chefs, farmers, restaurant owners, and young people. His encouragement and guidance shaped more lives than he likely ever knew.

Mike loved exploring the world - especially through food. For him, travel meant finding the hidden Korean grill on Buford Highway or the nearly unfindable Mexican grocery store tucked away from view. He sought out the places where locals ate and shopped, discovering remarkable restaurants, breweries, and wineries wherever he went. Adventure, to Mike, was always just around the corner-and he wanted you to come along. He loved to cast a line whether that was on the open ocean or from his Triton on Lake Lanier. He traveled to faraway places- Baja, Mexico, Manaus, Brazil, San Sebastian, Spain, Florence, Italy - making lifelong friends with each trip.

Above all, Mike loved deeply and thoughtfully. He surprised those he loved with beautiful flowers "just because", always accompanied by a poem written especially for them. His love was intentional, creative, and enduring.

Mike's life was defined by curiosity, mentorship, craftsmanship, and wholehearted love. He leaves behind a legacy of knowledge shared, meals prepared, photographs captured, fish landed, adventures encouraged, and countless lives enriched by his generosity of spirit.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Deanne; son, Todd (Sharon) Stock; granddaughters, Claire (Bryce) Kuhar and Erin Stock; grandson, Joe Stock; brother, Dan (Xinhuan) Stock; mother-in-law, Darlene Echols; sister-in-law, Robin (Bobby) Culver; nieces, Shelby Stallings and Cassie Culver; nephews, Bobby Culver Jr and Alex Culver; and grandniece, Ruby Bateman. Along with many other family members and friends including Bill Brady.

Preceded in death by his parents, Micheal S. Stock and Nola Wilcox Stock Stump; wife, Karen Stock; sister-in-law, Stacey Stallings.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 28. Details to follow. Once they are finalized, they will be shared here and on Mike's social media accounts.

In memory of Mike, donations to the following nonprofit organizations are welcomed, continuing the work he loved.

Snellville Community Garden PO BOX 669 Snellville, Ga. 30078

Snellville Farmer's Market PO BOX 669 Snellville, Ga. 30078

Oyster South www.oystersouth.com/donate

The family wishes to send a special thank you to Amber from Brightmoor Hospice for her care and compassion.

Condolences may be submitted online at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.