Norman Mike Kennon, 89, lifelong resident of Athens, Georgia died peacefully on September 22, 2017 surrounded by his beloved family.

Mike is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nancy Whitworth, his daughter Kathleen Kennon Foster (Gary), and son David M. Kennon (Kathy). His legacy includes grandchildren Abigail Foster, Kelsie Kennon, Alice Davis (Chris), Nora Coker (Chris), Caroline Foster, Lauren Moore (Alex), Mallory Gilliam, sister-in-law Evelyn Whitworth, and nephew George E. Bennett, Jr. and wife Linda.

Mike is preceded in death by sister Virginia Kennon Bennett and brother-in-law George E. Bennett, Sr.

Born April 2, 1928 to Norman Mike Kennon, Sr. and Faye Kathleen Shelnutt Kennon, Mike grew up in Five Points, attended Barrow Elementary and graduated from Athens High in 1945. While at the University of Georgia, Mike was a member of the Red Coat band drum corp. After returning from the Army, he and Nancy married in 1953 at the church of his baptism, Athens First Baptist. They eventually became charter members of Beech Haven Baptist and ultimately Milledge Avenue Baptist.

Mike owned Kennon's Formal Wear for 35 years.

His dedication to sports officiating found him playing leadership roles as an official of the Georgia High School Association and helped establish the Athens Little League where he umpired.

His civic mindedness extended into such organizations as Athens Jaycees, and Optimist International where he served as President for the Athens Evening Optimist Club and Georgia Lieutenant Governor in 1979.

Mike was an avid Dawg fan and worked tirelessly in event management for the UGA Athletic Association for over fifty years until health issues forced his retirement in 2015.

Quiet Oaks Health Center in Crawford tended to his later needs, along with Kindred Hospice Care in Athens.

Mike was a true servant to his community and his final gesture of service was to donate his body to Emory School of Medicine.

Memorial services are planned for 2 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2017 at Milledge Avenue Baptist Church. Dr. Edward Bolen, Rev. Franklin Scott, and Dr. Beth LaRocca-Pitts officiating. Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East will handle final arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the University of Georgia General Endowment Scholarship Fund, The Athens Little League, or Milledge Avenue Baptist Church.

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