Obituary for Joseph Mikel "Mike" Weese
Joseph Mikel “Mike” Weese, 69, of Athens, TN passed away on March 31st, 2023, surrounded by those he cherished most in the world. Mike was a devoted husband and an incredibly proud father who focused on giving his children all the tools they needed to become independent, successful, and happy individuals. Mike married the love of his life, Ginger, on November 14th, 1973. She was his safest place, and he was her protector. Ginger gave Mike his greatest joys, their four children. They were married for nearly 50 years and shared a bond that will last forever and ever.
Taking one of his greatest oaths, Mike joined the United States Navy in 1973 and served until 1977. He served as a mechanical repairman aboard the USS Ajax, designation AR6, as part of the US Naval Seventh Fleet from its home base in San Diego, California. He earned numerous honors and accolades for his service. Mike lived his lifelong oath right up to his passing.
After serving in the Navy, Mike joined Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 43, Chattanooga, in 1983 and achieved journeyman status. He was employed with Bowater for 19 years as a millwright and retired in 2006.
In retirement, Mike loved to joke that every night was a Friday night and tomorrow was always Saturday. Those who knew him will forever remember him as a man with a laugh that would light up a room and a sense of humor to match. He was a giver of good advice, and would never hesitate to simply sit with you to remind you that you were loved. Mike adored his grandchildren and enjoyed vacationing and spending quality time with them. He built his shop, where he loved working with metal, using his welding skills for his family's benefit. Mike had a real green thumb and enjoyed raising and tending to his garden. He loved being outdoors, especially in the mountains.
Mike is preceded in death by his father and mother, James E. and Joyce K Weese, and brothers Jerry L, Julian R, J Dean, John "Johnny" E. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Ginger, and their four children: son Blake (Danah) Weese and daughters Courtney (Scott) Kessler, Angelia Patty, and Kimberly (James) Shiflett. He is also survived by his legacy, six grandchildren whom he loved more than life: Jules and Brody Weese, Addisyn and Jackson Kessler, Rowan and Emery Patty. He is additionally survived by his brother Jack (Star) Weese of Loudon, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the funeral home and a memorial service will follow at 7:00 pm, in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home. A graveside service will be, 2:00 pm,Thursday 04/06/2023, at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Pallbearers will be Blake and Brody Weese, Scott and Jackson Kessler, James Shiflett, and Erskin Tallent.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to McMinn County Honor Guard care of Susan Peglow at McMinn County Veteran Affairs, 5 S. Hill Street, Suite E, Athens, TN 37303.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens is honored to serve the family of Joseph Mikel Weese.
Taking one of his greatest oaths, Mike joined the United States Navy in 1973 and served until 1977. He served as a mechanical repairman aboard the USS Ajax, designation AR6, as part of the US Naval Seventh Fleet from its home base in San Diego, California. He earned numerous honors and accolades for his service. Mike lived his lifelong oath right up to his passing.
After serving in the Navy, Mike joined Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 43, Chattanooga, in 1983 and achieved journeyman status. He was employed with Bowater for 19 years as a millwright and retired in 2006.
In retirement, Mike loved to joke that every night was a Friday night and tomorrow was always Saturday. Those who knew him will forever remember him as a man with a laugh that would light up a room and a sense of humor to match. He was a giver of good advice, and would never hesitate to simply sit with you to remind you that you were loved. Mike adored his grandchildren and enjoyed vacationing and spending quality time with them. He built his shop, where he loved working with metal, using his welding skills for his family's benefit. Mike had a real green thumb and enjoyed raising and tending to his garden. He loved being outdoors, especially in the mountains.
Mike is preceded in death by his father and mother, James E. and Joyce K Weese, and brothers Jerry L, Julian R, J Dean, John "Johnny" E. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Ginger, and their four children: son Blake (Danah) Weese and daughters Courtney (Scott) Kessler, Angelia Patty, and Kimberly (James) Shiflett. He is also survived by his legacy, six grandchildren whom he loved more than life: Jules and Brody Weese, Addisyn and Jackson Kessler, Rowan and Emery Patty. He is additionally survived by his brother Jack (Star) Weese of Loudon, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the funeral home and a memorial service will follow at 7:00 pm, in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home. A graveside service will be, 2:00 pm,Thursday 04/06/2023, at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Pallbearers will be Blake and Brody Weese, Scott and Jackson Kessler, James Shiflett, and Erskin Tallent.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to McMinn County Honor Guard care of Susan Peglow at McMinn County Veteran Affairs, 5 S. Hill Street, Suite E, Athens, TN 37303.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens is honored to serve the family of Joseph Mikel Weese.