Michael Luther Fuqua, 74, of Callahan, Fla., passed away Thursday, July 25, 2019 at his residence.
Born and raised in Lafayette, Ga., he was a son of the late Luther W. Fuqua and Ida Lockie Dover.
Immediately after graduating high school, Michael enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably in the Vietnam War. Upon returning to Georgia following his service in the military, Michael went to work for Hershey’s Chocolate and then worked as a brick mason for many years until earlier this year. He also worked at Batt Family Fun Center doing repairs and renovations.
Michael was known as a hard worker and a loving family man, and he never met a stranger. He loved Christmas and made the holidays special with his generosity and giving nature. His smile lit up every room he entered. In his spare time, Michael enjoyed fishing, bowling, drinking Dr. Pepper, and trying his luck at the dog track. Above all, he loved his wife of 30 years, Patricia, and his family.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Stephen Fuqua; and nephew, Duane Waugh.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Patricia Fuqua of Callahan; sons, Earl F. “Eric” VelDink and his wife, Christine, of Gainesville, Fla. and Phillip VelDink and his wife, Donna, of Jacksonville, Fla.; sister, Elaine Dodgen and her husband, Jack, of Rockmart, Ga.; his aunt, Myra Beck; cousins, Rhonda (Billy) Weathington, Vicki Daughtry, Donna Grogan Higdon, and Romy (Sharon) Dover; and nieces, Angie (Rex) Lester and Cindy (Timmy) Fason. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Services were at 2 p.m. Monday, July 29, 2019 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. The family received friends from 1 p.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors