"I wasn?t close to Mike but whenever we would meet, he would have a smile on his face and a kind word to say. I like him and will miss him. RIP Mike. "
In loving memory of
Michael Gravitt
July 21, 1948 - February 8, 2021
Michael Gravitt was a restaurant aficionado, incredible dresser, accomplished traveler, the world's greatest Georgia fan, and a lover of life, died on Monday, February 8, 2021 and the world is a little less bright now.
He is survived by his wife Kim, his children Collin, Shaw, and Tory, his step-daughter Lyndsey and his 6.5 beautiful grandchildren.
Mike really loved everything that he loved. He loved his hometown of Cumming, Georgia like it was the heaven on Earth. He believed, rightly so, that his mother, Audrey Mae Redd, was an angel. He remained close to his two brothers, Tim and Greg, his entire life.
He excelled at cutting up the dance floor, mowing grass (although he'd cringe at the thought of doing it again), lighting up the room with his smile, making everyone he met feel important, giving back to his community, and loving his family with every fiber of his being. He believed that if his name was on it, then it needed to be done the best that he could do. He also took quiet pride in his service in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He was most proud of the life of honesty and integrity that he strove to live and of all the ways he gave back to his community as a Rotarian and a board member of many local charitable organizations.
We could not write about Mike Gravitt without memorializing his love for his Georgia Bulldogs. And it didn't matter what sport. He was a long-time season ticket holder for football, basketball, and, believe it or not, gymnastics. He truly bled red and black. If you ever wanted to find him on a Saturday in the fall, just look at the UGA schedule, and that's where he'd be. The Georgia faithful lost one of their best this year.
More than anything else in this world, though, he loved his family. He loved his wife Kim deeply. They were best friends that brought each other supreme happiness and laughter. He was the model of a father. He loved his children like only a man with Mike's wonderful, big heart could. He was there to celebrate their every triumph and was the first one there to pick them up at their every setback. His grandchildren were the light of his life. Being that he had 6 under the age of 4, he had his hands full with innocent little angels.
Life is too short, but he got a whole heck of a lot out of his time with us. The family asks that you remember Michael Gravitt and use his example as an inspiration to live life to its fullest every day and to hold your loved ones tight because we are given only one life, and tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Visitation will be held at Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Avenue, Cumming, GA on Wednesday, February 10th, from 11:00-1:00 with the service to be held at 1:00 at the Funeral Home Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Office of Gift Records, Emory University, 1762 Clifton Rd. NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Ingram Funeral Home and Crematory, 210 Ingram Ave; Cumming, GA is in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"I\'m so sorry for your loss. When I see many of us natives go, it hurts. I lost my entire family, but the positive thing, they all are awaiting on us. You will find your way in Jesus.im praying for you. Joey amon grogan. "
"Mike & I started out as friends in the 1st grade at Cumming Elem. I think it was our love for sports and pretty girls that pulled us together. One of our best times ever was playing Little League Baseball on a Cumming team coached by Tommy Gravitt, Mike?s Dad. Next, we moved on to basketball during Middle School playing on a team coached by Ray Bennett. Turn around and here we are already at Forsyth County High playing together on Coach Pritchett?s(our Algebra teacher) 9th grade team. Next with the Varsity, coached by the legendary D.B. Carroll, things didn?t go as well for me. I rode the bench while Mike shined on the court. I know Mike was a diehard GA DAWG FAN, but it didn?t start out that way. Mike and our other great friend, the late Alvin Fowler, were actually Tech fans. Can you believe it? I was already a fanatic DAWG FAN. The 3 of us argued profusely on who was the best team. I finally won over Mike but never Alvin. I think what did it for Mike was our many trips to Athens in the fall to usher UGA football games. We were members of Ed Otwell?s Boy Scout(Explores) troop. We would head out early on Sat morning with Ed, park at BSU parking lot, shoot pool at Stegeman Hall, head to the stadium to work as Scout ushers, enjoy a Poss?s barbecue, then settle down to enjoy the illustrious Dawgs. Finally Mike became a BIG DAWG FAN. After High School graduation, Mike headed to Valdosta State College and Alvin(who always remained a tech fan) and I were off to UGA. Mike & I lost touch for a while, but reconnected after college when the three of us together taught at Cumming Upper Elem. I taught Georgia History, Alvin taught Science, and of course, Mike ,being the best athlete, taught PE and coached. That?s when I met Mike?s younger brother, Greg. Of course he was another great athlete who was the star on Mike?s basketball team. After that year, we all took different paths but stayed in touch through class reunions, Christmas parties, and each other?s weddings. I, having stayed in Education and headed up the Guidance program at Forsyth County High, got the opportunity to meet many of the children of my former classmates. One particular one was Collin Gravitt, Mike?s oldest son. What a wonderful student and just like his Dad, a terrific athlete. The year I retired, the staff surprised me at Seniors Honors Night with a scholarship named in my honor. The graduating senior that received the scholarship was Collin Gravitt. What a great surprise and honor to have the son of my wonderful friend Mike receive this award. I could go on and on with more great memories of Mike. I?m sorry I won?t be able to attend the service, but my thoughts and prayers are with Collin, Greg, Tim and all your families. May God Bless My Dear Friend, Mike Gravitt? Love, Johnie Day"
"Mike was a tremendous supporter of Forsyth County Schools. He was a behind the scenes leader in helping us get our Alliance Academy financed and built. He was kind and generous. Rotary won\'t be the same without him. My prayers and condolences to his family and friends. Jeff Bearden "
"Thinking of your family during this time. Michael, Mother, Dad, and Brothers are special folks to us. Prayers for comfort and strength ahead. Stevie & Cindy Munda Mills "
"This may be the most beautifully written tribute I have ever read. Perfect words for a such a wonderful man. My prayers are with the family & friends that loved him so much! "