Michael Ryan Horn

Michael Ryan Horn was born on Oct. 25, 1975, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020.  He was the only child of Jerry and Darlene Horn. Mike earned a B.A. from the University of Tulsa and an M.B.A from the University of Texas.

Mike was raised in Tulsa and attended private schools, which allowed him to grow in his faith and to try everything from sports to drama to student leadership – making evident a sense of adventure that would be present throughout his life.

Mike expected politics to be his calling, but he found technology and business instead. He started his career in the tech industry where he loved working with the latest gadgets and a group of high-energy, driven people. However, higher education and the university experience had always been special to him, so he decided to apply for a job at the University of Texas to be closer to the unique energy of a college campus. While he enjoyed his time at UT, 2016 brought an opportunity to move to Athens and work at the University of Georgia. He “retired” in 2019 to travel.

While Mike’s career was important to him, his family always came first. He loved spending time with his wife and kids and routinely made plans for them to go new places and to try new things! Going to a farmer’s market on a Saturday morning or trying a new restaurant in town were turned into adventures. From exploring a new state or country to going on a surprise trip to Disney World, Mike made time together as a family special. Mike’s sense of adventure and kind heart will be missed.

In the time since his 2019 diagnosis of brain cancer, Mike’s faith only grew. News that would stop someone else in their tracks, motivated him to live more fully. He continued to plan family adventures near and far. He traveled to spend time with friends and family, and watched (or re-watched) Oklahoma football. Those who were blessed to know him witnessed this unwavering faith, resilience and love of fun.

Mike is survived by his wife of 21 years Michele, and their two children, Ella (15) and Jack (13). He is also survived by his mother, Darlene, and mother-in-law, Murfi Pedersen.

The memorial service for Mike Horn will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at Athens Church in the Theater, 10 Huntington Road, Athens, GA 30606. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendees are asked to please wear face coverings. The service will also be streamed live at https://athenschurch.com/MikeHorn/

In lieu of flowers or memorial gifts, please consider donating to brain cancer research on the page Mike set up earlier this year: https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/2825916 . A fund has also been set up for Mike’s children to ensure his legacy of life experiences and adventure can live on! If you would like to contribute, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ella-and-jack-horn-education-fund
Lord & Stephens, West, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com