John Michael Foley
Early morning, January 12 John Michael Foley, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, friend,
went home to be with the Lord, loved ones who went before him, and all the saints in Glory. Michael
was born August 30, 1952 at Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta, GA to Jack and Martha Foley. He
graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School and was a member of the Boy Scouts of America Order
of the Arrow, a Philmont counselor, and a proud Georgia Tech graduate. As a small business owner and
entrepreneur, J. Michael Foley, PE, PMP, CCP, was Chief Executive Officer and Executive Consultant of
GATE 6 Solutions, Inc. He was also a private pilot, deer and turkey hunter, and lifetime, competitive
tennis player.
Michael was heavily involved in community theater, children’s choir, and robotics programs for
elementary, middle, and high school students. Michael served on the Boards of Directors for New
London Theater, Atlanta Young Singers, and the Georgia Robotics Alliance. He spent fifteen years
volunteering as a mentor, judge, trainer, and sponsor of student robotics programs at the regional,
state, and world championship levels.
Most of all, Michael will be remembered for the love and kindness he showed for so many people during
his lifetime. His legacy will be borne out by those he inspired through sharing his heart, expertise, and
genuine interest in helping others succeed. He loved tennis, fishing, hunting, woodworking, and
gardening; he could do anything he set his mind to, and he always enjoyed a challenge. He was a
wonderful partner and great teacher, whether of technology, power tools, or grilling, and he loved
working with others on large and small projects. If you needed a hug, no one gave better hugs than
Michael Foley.
Michael is preceded in death by his first wife Leah Laine (McDonald) and his parents, Jack and Martha
(Carmichael). He is survived by his wife Debi (Williams), daughter Havalyn (Becca Carley) Foley,
stepdaughter Laura Huffman, granddaughter Eleanor Marko, siblings Stephen (Elizabeth) Foley, Kathryn
(Tony) Racheff, and David (Missy) Foley, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 26 at the Snellville United Methodist Church at
11:00 AM with a reception following at Summit Chase Country Club. Anyone who would like to share a
Mike Foleyism, story, or picture(s) may email them to photosofmikefoley@gmail.com before February
20.
Memorials may be made in Michael’s name to the Georgia Robotics Alliance Scholarship Fund, 6125
Dodson Drive, Fairburn, GA 30213.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
God called you too soon, are hearts are broken from the loss of our wonderful friend and neighbor…You were always there to lend a hand, cook a great meal, help us build our home, join us in a laugh and a beer, your heart was huge…We are forever blessed to have had your friendship, you were like our family…Rest peaceful dear friend, you will be missed tremendously..love you Mike…We will keep Debi and family in our prayers…Scott & Cheryl
Mike and I were in the church nursery together at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church and grew up together in the children’s and youth ministries of our church. We were in school together from first grade to Ga. Tech. We played football and soccer together at Southwest DeKalb High School. We had classes together all twelve years of elementary and high school. Mike was one of the kindest, and most compassion people I have ever known. He was a loyal and faithful friend to me and so many others. My heart is sad. I am praying for God’s comfort and help for all the family. Jimmy Wilson, First Baptist Loganville.
May God surround you with his loving comfort. I was surprised and saddened to hear about Mike’s passing. Sending love and my deepest sympathy. Friends and family are celebrating the life of this wonderful man and mourning his passing with you. Debi, please know that I’m keeping you, your family and Mike’s family in my prayers and warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time. Though it isn’t your chosen path, by God’s grace I know something beautiful awaits you as you walk through the experience. Asking God to hold you and your family very near.
“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”
– Unknown
Love you, Dad 💓
He loved you too… more than life itself. He always said you were his little girl and no matter how grown up you got, he thought of you that way. You were the light of his life and brought him so much joy. He was immensely proud of you. I am so sorry for your loss, honey, because I know he was a wonderful father and such a good man. He would never have wanted to leave you… I am sorry this happened. It is so heartbreaking for you to have lost your mama and daddy in such a short time.
Mike provided a recommendation for me to sit for the Professional Engineer exam in GA. He and Mike Ray provided these which allowed me to become a PE.