AREA OBITUARIES -- MIKE GARGUS

Michael Lee Gargus died on November 24, 2023 at Baptist Health Hospital in Paducah. He was 74.

Mike was born on January 14, 1949 in Fulton to the late Floyd Gargus and Lottie Songer Rice Gargus.

After graduating from Fulton City High School in 1967, he joined the U.S. Air Force and became first a jet engine mechanic (JEM), then JEM instructor, then superintendent of a flight of JEM instructors. After 24 years, he attained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant before retiring in 1991 to build his dream log home in Fulton. He then earned a second retirement, working 22 years as a mail carrier in Fulton for the U.S. Postal Service.

Residents on Mike's mail route remember him fondly. He helped the elderly with daily tasks and gave

lollipops and treats to kids and animals.

After playing baseball, football, and basketball in high school, Mike spent many happy years playing fast pitch softball. His team, Jim Elliott Toyota, won the 1981 Florida Amateur Softball Association state championship for men's major fast pitch.

When Mike retired from the Air Force, he served as an assistant coach for Fulton Independent's

basketball and football teams.

Mike learned carpentry and woodworking from high school teacher Bill Robertson and never forgot.

He could build anything.

Mike was a faithful member of Parkway Church of Christ. He delivered Backpack Feeding food to children in need, ministered to inmates at the Fulton County Detention Center, served as a mentor, and helped build Habitat for Humanity homes and the Fulton Boy Scout cabin.

Being a grandfather gave him great joy. He participated in Scout activities with Linus and never missed Zuzu's

dance performances.

His family describes him as strong, funny, courageous, frustrating, stubbornly determined, extremely hard

working, with a zest for life and love of surprises. He loved being outdoors and was happiest while eating ice cream.

Most of all, he is irreplaceable.

He is survived by wife of 55 years Wanda Batts Gargus, daughters Tracy Gargus Pulley and Amanda (Mandy)

Gargus, grandchildren Linus and Zuzu Pulley, sister Judy Rice Stephens of Pensacola, Florida, and bulldog

Boomer. He was preceded in death by siblings Thurman and Glenna Rice.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Monday, November 27, 2023 in the Fulton Hornbeak Funeral Home funeral chapel with Bro. Cecil May III officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenlea Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12Noon Monday until the hour of service.

Memorials may be made to St Jude, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.