PEORIA - Michael James "Mike" McCormick, 56, formerly of Peoria, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014.
Mike was born in Decatur, Ill., to Bud and Nancy McCormick on Jan. 5, 1958.
Mike was the executive vice president of Stowers Machinery Corporation, where he was employed for 23 years. Previously, he was employed by Thompson Tractor in Birmingham, Ala., and Caterpillar Tractor Corporation in Peoria, Ill., and Nashville, Tenn.
He graduated from Lakeview High School in Decatur, Ill., and Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill.
Mike was an avid golfer at Holston Hills Country Club and enjoyed University of Tennessee football and basketball. Everyone was always welcome at Mike's tailgates. He loved hunting and shooting sporting clays at Chilhowee Sportsman's Club. Mike loved games, computer games and playing Scrabble with his mother.
Mike was a longtime member of West Towne Christian Church, serving as a Deacon, Elder, Chairman of the Elders and Treasurer. He was also the head of the coffee ministry and a fixture at the front door and had a bright smile and a warm hug for everyone that came in.
Mike served his community as a member of the advisory boards for the Christian Student Fellowship at the University of Tennessee and Smoky Mountain Christian Camp. He was a generous supporter of The Restoration House of East Tennessee, United Way and any fundraising child who would ask him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bud McCormick; grandparents; and father-in-law, Allen Weiss.
He is survived by his lovely wife of 33 years, Lori McCormick; his creative son, Matt McCormick; his brilliant daughter, Dr. Sarah McCormick; the children of his heart, Jon Shaw, Scott Kenworthy, Peter Kim, Bethany Reed and Keidre Shaw; his loving mother, Nancy McCormick; his stylish sisters, Kathy Jess and husband, Bill, and Bridget England and fiance, Terry; his mother-in-law, Dana Beth Weiss; and sister-in-law, Kelly Franzen; five nephews and three nieces; and two great-nephews and six great-nieces.
A joyous celebration of Mike's life will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, at West Towne Christian Church. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Restoration House, Smoky Mountain Christian Camp or The Christian Student Fellowship. GO VOLS!!
Click Funerals and Cremations, 9020 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, Tenn., is serving the McCormick Family.
Condolences may be left online for the family at www.clickfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ron and Sharon Riebel
February 14, 2014
Mike always had a smile on his face and a kind word to offer. We enjoyed knowing him while we were at West Towne. Our prayers go out to his family.
Jim Dry
February 13, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Clifford and Judy Shaw
February 13, 2014
He was an awesome mentor, first for our son Jon and then to our granddaughter Keidre. Our prayers for Lori, Sarah, Matt.
Terri Anito
February 12, 2014
Mike was the voice of reason at WTTC. When folks were all torn up over stuff that really doesn't matter, he just seemed to go with the flow and have a very calming effect. We are here for you, Lori, no matter if you just want to talk. Love you, Matt, and Sarah.
February 12, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Praying God's comfort during this time. Randy and Jeanann Pardue( Cambridge Woods neighbors)
February 12, 2014
I have many fond memories of Brother Mike. Like his many contributions to our Sunday School class as he taught on Sunday mornings, his laughter, his service to the body of Christ at WTCC as an Elder and deacon. We will miss our brother in Christ but look forward to the day WE WILL SEE HIM AGAIN! Our prayers will be with Lori and their family now and in the future.
Terry & Beth Borger
Annie (Edwards) Worthey
February 12, 2014
Nancy & Bridget,
So sorry for your loss. One of the handprints on the driveway went to be with Jesus. ??
Tiffany Murphy
February 11, 2014
What a blessing Mike has been to so many . The thing that always struck me about him is his generosity with his time and resources . He had a sweet heart for the kids, it didn't matter if he already given to 3 other kids fundraising efforts , if a child asked him he always gave. His smile was a constant at a WTCC , he will be greatly missed
Connie Stanley
February 11, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of Mike. He did share the love of Christ and and a warm smile. My heart hurts for Lori and their family.
Harry & Heidi Keiser
February 11, 2014
Sending our prayers.
Deborah Townsend
February 11, 2014
This saddens my heart but I know that Mike is watching over us and giving us all that lovable smile. We were honored to know a wonderful man of God and an amazing father, friend, husband, and mentor. My thoughts and Prayers are with everyone privileged to meet him. He mentored me at a difficult time and I will forever be thankful.
Sheila Gideon
February 11, 2014
Mike hired me many, many years ago. He always had a smile, and was always great to be around. I know he will be be missed by his friends and co-workers. My heart goes out to Mike's family.
Sheila Gideon
February 11, 2014
Mike hired me a long time ago, he always had a smile an was great to be around. He will surely be missed by his family, friends, and co-workers, rest in peace Mike. Sheila Gideon
Sasha Ragsdale
February 11, 2014
Mike was a wonderful man and will be missed by so many! I cannot imagine not seeing him on Sunday mornings at West Towne. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
I had a dream that I was supposed to wear orange to the memorial, probably because of all the times Mike and I discussed UT football and UK basketball. For the record, I would've worn orange for Mike!
Love you all!
Mark & Lisa Miller
February 11, 2014
During our years at West Towne we never saw Mike without a smile on his face. He was a true reflection of the Christian life here on earth.
Valarie Hamilton
February 11, 2014
Working with Mike for the past 7 years at Stowers, one of the first things I remember about him was how quick he was to respond with "Let me know if there's anything I can do to help". His laughter cracked me up--you could hear it erupt up and down the halls at work. Always a quick smile and "good morning", he will be greatly missed. Sending prayers for the family in the days, weeks, and months ahead, knowing God will provide a peace and comfort to you in only a way He knows how.
Anna Haney
February 11, 2014
From the first time I met Mike, I saw the love of Christ shining through him. He never failed to greet me with a smile and made me feel genuinely welcome. I will miss his kindness, and I will also miss his well thought out communion meditations. My prayers are with the family.
Rebecca Gill
February 11, 2014
Lori and family, we are truly sorry for this incredible loss. WTCC will never be the same without his big smile and warm welcome! He never knew how much I appreciated him for always being so kind to my family. I'm truly heartbroken over this loss for your family. God Bless you Lori! I will continue to pray for strength for you and your family.
Burl Tharp
February 11, 2014
My prayers go out to the family, Mike will be missed very much. God bless you.
SUZI SHAW-HAYTON
February 11, 2014
Praying for Lori and the whole family.
Christin and Adam York
February 11, 2014
I am completely saddened by this loss.
Don and Brenda Bartholomew
February 11, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Mike's big warm smile. Our loss is heaven's gain.
Bryan and Beth Kendrick
February 11, 2014
What a great man, your christian family will miss you greatly.
Valerie Dunnigan
February 11, 2014
The one thing that comes to mind is how much Mike will be missed. Always a big smile and quick hello. I have worked with Mike @ Stowers the past 7 years so while I have not known him as long as others I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers remain with his family now and in the days ahead. Try and remember he is never truly gone he is just away as you will carry him with you always in your heart.
Paul and Liz Brogdon
February 10, 2014
We are deeply saddened to learn of Mike's passing. He will be greatly missed by the TRBA family. We will forever remember his lovable outlook on life, his laughter and smile. I always appreciated his participation with the scholarship committee. We wish Lori and the family our love and prayers.
Leigh McLarty
February 10, 2014
Lifting you up in prayer. He is in Heaven with Uncle Bud, Uncle Cy, Granny Floyd, Granny McCormick and the rest of our loved ones. I love you all and you are in my prayers.
February 10, 2014
I only wish that we could have known Mike more than a brief introduction at Jon and Lyndi's wedding. Our family is continually lifting your family up to our Father, asking for peace and comfort. Michelle Speak
Angie Parton Ames
February 10, 2014
Lori sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. Sounds like Mike touched many lives.
Karen & Jack Hinds
February 10, 2014
To Mike's Family: We've known you all for many years through Bud & Nancy. The generosity with which Mike treated those around him was a tribute to his Christian upbringing. He was a friend to many and all will miss him. Take comfort in knowing he's waiting on the Other Side.
Sheryl Floyd
February 10, 2014
What a wonderful tribute for such a kind and gentle man. My thoughts, prayers and love are with his entire family. Take care
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