Click Funeral Home & Cremations - Tellico Village Chapel
Michael C. Spafford, 74, of Tellico Village in Loudon, TN, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Joan Radina and Charles Spafford.
He is survived by Merry, his wife of 52 years; children - Matthew (Jessica), Rachael (Justin Rhinehart), Katherine (Krysta Happy); grandchildren - Emily, Amanda (David Stover), Sarah, Jenna, Emma; great-granddaughter - Scarlett Stover; sisters - Cindy Spafford and Laurie Fila; sister-in-law Margo Zeedyk; brothers-in-law William and Robert Hakken; and several nieces and nephews.
Born in Jackson, MI, on October 12, 1949, Michael grew up in a tradition of hunting, fishing and golfing, for which he maintained a passion throughout his life. He graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northern Michigan University. At NMU, he was an active member of the Zeta Eta Chapter of the Theta Chi Fraternity.
Michael served his country full time in the 107th Engineering Battalion of the Michigan Army National Guard as a Specialist 5th Class (E-5) for six years. Michael's career as Manager of Project Controls with energy sector companies (Townsend & Bottom Construction, M&M Contractors, Consumer Power, GUBMK) took him and his family to several states (Michigan, Indiana, Colorado, Connecticut, and Tennessee). His unrivaled work ethic brought success in his career, and his affable nature garnered many lifelong friends at each place they lived.
Moreover, Michael's unwavering dedication to Merry, Matt, Rachael, and Kate across their many moves nurtured a self-sufficient nuclear family fiercely devoted to each other. Michael would be the first to tell you that Merry is the core of their family bond. In those ways, they functioned as a single entity in the covenant of their marriage. Michael lived a simple life of hard work and hard play, focusing on outward simplicity and thoughtfulness that guided his actions and the depth of love he showed to his family and friends. He did not often talk about the principles and beliefs that directed his life; he lived them more convincingly than words could express. Michael expressed his love through consistency and dependability, the kind of love that stays firm in all seasons. He never felt compelled to prove his intelligence, but it was evident in his work and wit. Michael dedicated his life to providing for his family and created more value in the world than he consumed. Anyone who crossed paths with Michael will remember his humor and ability to make almost any situation lively. His family and close friends will remember him as a dedicated son, brother, husband, father, and "Grandpa," and by his example as a hard-working provider and lifelong outdoorsman. Our lives and those around us are better because he lived these characteristics with a quiet resolve and consistency that makes his influence permanent, even in his physical absence. Michael could often be found sitting on his front porch with Derby, his beloved Golden Retriever, waiting to greet passing neighbors with a welcoming spirit and a smile.
The family will gather with friends for a celebration of Michael's life on Friday, March 15 2024, from 6:00-7:00pm, with the service to follow at the Tellico Village Click Funeral Home Chapel 145 Chota Center, Loudon, TN 37774. Services entrusted to friend, Jason Graffis and to Click Funeral Home and Cremations - Tellico Village Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the International Essential Tremors Foundation as a memorial donation found under "giving options" at www.essentialtremor.org or PO Box 14005, Lenexa, Kansas 66285-4005.
Click Funeral Home & Cremations - Tellico Village Chapel is serving the family of Michael Spafford. www.clickfuneralhome.com
LINKS
Knoxville News Sentinel
http://www.knoxnews.com
Memories
Gallery
Guestbook