Michael Louis Stuckey
Michael Louis Stuckey of Lawrenceville, Georgia, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2020 at the age of 67 years old. He is survived by his mother, Sara Kay, wife, Mary Scott Stuckey, daughters Elizabeth Hodapp (Geoffrey), Erin Stuckey and grandsons Parker, Harrison and Logan Hodapp and brother, Robert Stuckey. He is preceded in death by his father, John Louis Stuckey, stepfather, John Kay, grandparents, Jessie and Newman Givens and sisters Susan Johnson, Michele Raines and Robin Dunn.
Mike earned his stripes as a Producer/Director and writer, while literally earning this stripes in the United States Navy (1972-1978) where he served as the Production Manager of WSAR television and radio stations and ship’s newspaper editor on board the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. He worked with The King Center for 20 years, stage managing the 25th Anniversary Civil Rights March on Washington, DC, as well as 8 years as a show producer on the “Kingfest” concert series and site producer for the annual “Salute to Greatness” dinner. He served as the official videographer for the first “Cultural Para-Olympiad”. He was vetted by the U.S. State Department Security and the U.S. Secret Service Presidential Detail on numerous occasions. Mike served as Councilmember and Mayor of The City of Pine Lake 1994-1995 and 1996-1999.
Mike was Santa for many years for the children of Pine Lake, Athens Country Club, and many other events. He was a member of the Real Bearded Santas of North Georgia.
Mike was a loving husband, father, and Papa and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mike will be buried in the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia. There will be a celebration of life later in the spring of 2021.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to The Wounded Warrior Project.
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Michael was a fine man. I’m glad to have known him. My deepest condolences to the family.
I never met him. What I have learned is that he was well loved by friends and family. He’s in a better place now. So, let’s say a prayer and celibate his life!
We miss Mike everyday as he was so intwined in our family whether it be a meme-a-day, a text message after the Alabama game, or a political discussion. He always had a big smile, a helping hand, a gracious manner and a kind heart. I hope he is entertaining all those who have gone before him with his stories and quick wit. Really can’t believe he’s gone.
My Brothers -in – Law are like true brothers to me. And Mike was no exception. Mike was a member of our family for almost 50 years and will be greatly missed. He served his Country and his family with a servants heart. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to my Sister Mary, her daughters and grandsons.
I knew Mike through his community involvement in the Jaycees. Always willing to use his skills in helpful ways, Mike produced a video that was helpful in raising funds to build Camp Dream in Warm Springs. A smiling face. A hearty laugh. Always willing to engage in a political discussion. Rest in peace old friend. Sending warm wishes to Mary and family.
I knew Mike through Jaycees. Always enjoyed time around he and Mary. So sorry for the loss. Prayers for the family.
Mike was a dear person to all and will be greatly missed.
So sorry to hear of this sweet guy’s passing. He had the perfect Santa Claus twinkle in his eyes long before he grew the white beard. He was a good friend and staunch supporter of those he loved.
Mike was a great guy. His knowledge of technology always amazed me. I will always appreciate all of his assistance with our Georgia Division IAAP meetings and activities. I don’t know what we would have done without him. We probably drove him crazy – dealing with a bunch of women. But he was especially wonderful with you, my dear friend. I use to watch how he looked at you with so much pride and admiration during my time on the Division Board. Rest now sweet Mike. I love you Mary.
Sending prayers to your family that light and love may always guide your way.
Mike brought so much happiness too so many people.He was always so kind to my mother and we all appreciated his kindness. The Santa army has lost one of its generals I send prayers and love to Mike’s family.
Mike and I met through our time in the Georgia Jaycees, he was very kind and a hard worker on numerous projects. My condolences to his family.
My brother, my Road-dog, Mike and I have shared so many production experiences since we met at The King Center in 1986. From that day until his passing, Geek-days, and politics have been so much a part of our lives. He introduced me to smoking a cigar while watching British Parliamentary antics and hooting with the rest of the Parliamentarians across the pond. Here is a stogie for you, my brother.
So sorry to learn of Michael’s passing. He did so much great work at The King Center and served his community as Mayor and councilmen of Pine Lake and his country in the U.S. Navy. He had a great sense of humor and a strong social conscience and will be missed by many.
Mike was such a good dude. I will miss him. I love you guys so much. He sent me a text a few weeks ago just to say he was thinking about me and I was too busy to respond 😔. I know that he knows that we were boys though 🤙
Mary, you and your family have many treasured memories of Mike. May they give you comfort and peace.
Mike was the best of the best hard to believe as I look at our last Facebook chat.
Alexander “Hitman ” Willis
My sincere sympathy and condolences to Mary and her family.
What can I say Mike was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was Santa in our family pictures for 14 years. He supported me like the wonderful neighbor he was playing Santa at my sons school frequently. Holiday celebrations at our house, he just was a good person. I hated when they moved away but loved that he still reached out to talk to my mother in law knowing she was lonely. That’s just the kind of person he was. Grateful that he was a part of my life journey.
I still have such fond memories from 30 years ago of Mike sitting on the couch and talking with my late husband, Stoney Johnson. He was such a good, loyal friend to Stoney – back in the days of the King Center and Althea, Yolanda, Joshua, Lili and so many others. Those were magical times for me. Mike was also a good and caring friend to me and others who loved Stoney. It always warmed my heart to see photos of Mike on Facebook, with his impish grin and sparkling eyes, as Santa Claus. But, his true joy shined through on his photos with his family! God Bless and help you all through this difficult time.
Mike was a friend of many years thru the Tucker Jaycees and the Georgia Jaycee Rebel Corps. We always had fun together.I will miss his posts on facebook.Sympathies to Mary and the family.
Mike and I met through the Jaycees also. We were both members of State President Randy Vicks team “The Untouchables.” Mike was a consummate professional and always took his responsibilities seriously. His record of community service is well documented.. He had a wonderful sence of humor and I enjoyed having conversations with him. His contributions to the world will long be remembered by his family and friends and the people that he helped. His memory will live on but the loss of his kindness and decency will leave a hole in our hearts. Rest in peace my friend. I am a better man from having known you.
I’m sorry to hear this. There was a time many years ago when Mike and I were best friends, when he lived down the street from my grandparents in Alberta City. It’s been a long time since then.
I was a newcomer to Pine Lake in 2015 and enjoyed getting to know Mike and chatted with him early on. I enjoyed his DJ appearances at our National Night Out, other times he was present and understood him as a caring person committed to good causes and community. So I enjoyed his friendship for a short while and know his memory will burn brightly.
Much love to everyone. 💞
Very sad to learn of Mike’s passing. He was a steady presence at the King Center. Someone who could always be counted on, and more. Heartfelt condolences to Mary and family.
My name is Chris Harris. I had the pleasure of working with Santa Mike at the Athens Country Club. I am saddened to hear of his passing. He was a kind, gentle man who made the children feel comfort and warmth when they sat on his lap and had their chat.
I feel very lucky to have had the honor to work with him as his Mrs. Claus.
Make your memories comfort you all during these difficult moments.