COOKEVILLE — Time, time to love his family was all Mike Honea wanted when he learned he had a rare and deadly cancer on Valentine’s Day 2018. Mike was a fighter, never giving up when the challenge seemed insurmountable. Mike’s hope, courage, and fighting spirit followed him to the very end; refusing to take death lying down. He crossed the goal line with dignity when called home to receive his angel wings. Many called Mike a friend and many loved him as a brother. Mike touched lives everywhere he went.
Mike Honea moved to Cookeville, at the age of four, where he made friendships of a lifetime. Mike played football, #22 for Cookeville High School — and he gave it all he had. He graduated from Tennessee Tech University, a life-long Sigma Alpha Epsilon ΣΑΕ, before moving to Colorado. He then made his way back to the Southern states where he met his soulmate, Karie Elise Honea. Mike and Karie have spent the last 21 years as best friends. Mike leaves behind a lasting legacy for Karie and their sons, Hudson Honea, Haden Honea, and Schyler Richerzhagen to carry forward.
Knowing Mike meant you knew he loved his flip-flops as much as he loved the outdoors, spending every waking hour possible outside on his back deck, mountain biking, fishing, backpacking, camping, anything outdoors. He instilled a love of nature in his kids, he loved watching them play soccer, mountain bike, swim, and spend time outdoors. Even in his final days Mike could be found sitting outside, with the wind on his face, the sun warming him, birds chirping and family close. His sense of humor never faded. Upon a trip to the hospital, Mike brought home his beside urinal. He went to the store and bought flowers. If asked he would tell you “When life pees on your plans, plant petunias,” and the petunias are thriving.
Mike is survived by his mother, Marilyn Honea Murphy of Clinton, Tennessee; sister, Annette Honea Rogers of St. Louis, Missouri, (Hugh Rogers, Brandon Rogers, Chris Rogers, William Rogers); brother, Kirk Honea of Beech Grove, Tennessee, (Melissa Honea, Brianna Rorer, Collin Honea); and many loving in-laws. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Wayne Honea.
A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held Saturday, July 21, at Ebenezer Acres (1725 Mount Pleasant Rd Cookeville, TN) with visitation from 3-4:30 p.m. and services at 4:30 p.m. The Celebration will be as Mike would want – casual and flip-flop attire.
Interment will be Monday, July 23, at Cook Cemetery in Morgan County, Alabama.
Karie requests in-lieu of flowers, that guests bring a written story(s) of their time with Mike which will be memories to share with the boys. Albums will be available onsite to hold your memories.
Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, 526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.
