Mike Dekle

Mike Dekle, 77, of Athens, GA & Nashville, TN passed away surrounded by loving family at his home in Athens on February 24, 2022.

Born in Panama City, FL he was the son of the late James R. and Dr. Ocie Dekle.

Mike was a lifelong resident of Athens and maintained a residence in Nashville for 37 years.  He was a veteran who served as a U.S. Army 1st Lt. with B728th Military Police Battalion.  He was the Company Commander and Provost Marshall while serving at Camp Humphreys, South Korea.  Mike was a 1962 graduate of Athens High School and a 1966 graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Sociology.  For over 48 years he owned and operated Mike Dekle State Farm Insurance Agency, Inc.  Mike was a longtime member of First Baptist Church Athens. He was a member of Athens Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Scholar; a member of Delta Sigma Pi; and a lifetime Professional Member of Nashville Songwriters Association International. Mike penned hits over the span of four decades.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Crystie Vause Dekle; son, Shane Dekle and wife, Natasha; daughter, Jodi Dekle Kerr and husband, Dana; brother, Mack Dekle; sister, Beth Dekle Tolley and husband, Edward; granddaughters, Abbegail Dekle, Clara Dekle, Andi Kerr and Alli Kerr; grandson, Ethan Dekle; brother-in-law, Carl Vause (Kathy) and Tom Stewart (Charlene) and sister-in-law; Sarah Vause Knuth; an uncle and several nieces and nephews; and his devoted, loving dog, Scarlett.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 19, 2022, at 11 A.M. at First Baptist Church Athens with a visitation/reception to follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, American Diabetes Association, First Baptist Church Athens Building Fund or a charity of choice.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.