Michael Francis Walsh

Michael Francis Walsh, affectionately known as “Mickey” in his younger years, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at the age of 90.

Born on January 10, 1936, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Michael was the son of Joseph Walsh and Orpha Tjarnell. His parents performed throughout New England on the Chautauqua circuit during their early years. Michael later lived in Florida, Massachusetts, and Georgia, where he built a life centered around family, friendship, humor, and hard work.

A proud patriot, Michael served four years in the United States Army with the 11th Airborne Division during the Korean War. He was deeply proud of his family’s tradition of military service, shared by his brothers, son, granddaughter, and grandson.

Michael married the love of his life, Mary Lou Pate, in 1960 after the two met by chance in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. They shared nearly 60 years together until her passing in 2019.

Known for his outgoing personality and love of people, Michael never met a stranger. In his 50s he became an avid runner with the Atlanta Track Club, participating in races ranging from 5Ks to a marathon. In his 60s he joined the Stone Mountain Barbershop Chorus and performed with the quartet “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”

Michael worked for many years at Spruill Products in Norcross, Georgia, retiring and later returning to work until the age of 88. In declining health, he moved in with his daughter and son-in-law, where he remained surrounded by family, humor, music, and love.

He enjoyed sporting events, concerts, beach trips, cruises, family dinners, social media, gift-giving, and collecting baseball caps and Irish flat caps. During the last years of his life, he especially enjoyed collecting vinyl records, with favorites ranging from old standards and military choirs to rock music. He loved talking about music and sports with his son Michael. He also loved animals and joked that Roxie, the family German Shepherd, was the nurse in charge of his care.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Lou Walsh, and by the infant son they lost during his first days of life.

He is survived by his brother, Mark Walsh, and sister-in-law Linda Walsh; his daughter, Anne Marie Nangle (Walsh), and son-in-law Douglas Nangle; his son, Michael Walsh, and daughter-in-law Iasrealia Walsh (Berns); grandson William Nangle, his wife Katherine Nangle (McDonald), and their daughters Addie and Wylie; granddaughter Kelly Barrus (Nangle), her husband Peter Barrus, and their children Scarlett and Everett Barrus; as well as grandsons Ryan Nangle and Cole Nangle. He is also survived by many valued cousins, nieces, and nephews.

His family will celebrate his life by gathering together to share memories, laughter, and stories while enjoying the lobster macaroni and cheese he ordered for everyone’s enjoyment - one final reflection of his generous spirit and love for family gatherings.

Michael will be cremated and laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Mary Lou, at Evergreen Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida, where they will also be reunited with the son they lost far too soon.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your favorite charity in Michael’s honor.

Scott Huskins Funeral & Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements. 678.771.5566 | scotthuskins.com

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