Michael Mann Obituary, Cause of Death – Athens Community Mourns 36-Year-Old
Michael Coley Mann, 36, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 28, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, with Scripture being read and hymns being played.
Over the past two years, Michael fought a courageous battle against cancer in his heart. He held firmly to the hope expressed in Philippians 1:21: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” His greatest desire was to be with Christ, yet his will to endure suffering for more time with his family carried him through each day.
Michael’s life was marked by deep love for his family, his church, his Chick-fil-A family, and his wide circle of friends. His greatest joy was sharing the hope of Christ and pouring his life out in service to others.
Born on October 3, 1989, in Birmingham, Alabama, Michael was the son of Bill and Sheree Mann. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2011, proudly wearing his Auburn Tigers Cam Newton jersey beneath his cap and gown. His career at Chick-fil-A of Athens spanned sixteen years, beginning in 2010, where he grew as a leader under Shane Todd and Sullivan Beasley. It was there he met Stephanie, whom he married in 2017. Their wedding coincided with the birth of their first son in Colombia, a providential reminder of God’s timing.
Michael served faithfully as an elder at Cleveland Road Baptist Church beginning in 2020. His heart for ministry was evident in his devotion to serving the Church, displaying Christ’s love, and building others up in faith.
One of Michael’s greatest joys was being a husband to Stephanie and father to Estiven and Thomas. He lived daily by the call of Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” He delighted in teaching his sons to fish, a tradition passed down from his Granddaddy and father.
Michael was also a devoted Auburn fan, attending countless games and celebrating unforgettable moments such as rushing the field after the “Kick Six” victory over Alabama. His love for sports, fishing, and fellowship reflected his vibrant personality and zest for life.
He is survived by his wife of nearly ten years, Stephanie Mann; children Estiven (9) and Thomas (4); father Bill (Beth) Mann; mother-in-law Stacye (Ryan) DeLoatch; father-in-law Steve (Madelyn) Brown; siblings Lindsey (JP) Chesser, Lydia (Josh) Zapata, Seth Mann, Elizabeth (Sean) Mann, and James Mann; step-siblings Ashton (Riley) Johnson and Kyle (Crissey) Pearson; sister-in-law Jessica (Jonathan) Nixon; and several nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sheree Mann, and his grandparents Bob and Cleo Coley, and Roy and Mary Mann.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cleveland Road Baptist Church on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Guests are requested to wear bright colors in honor of Michael’s love for neon casual fashion. Following the service, family will welcome friends and loved ones in the fellowship hall.
Michael Mann will be remembered as a faithful servant, devoted husband and father, and a man whose joy, faith, and love for others reflected Christ in every aspect of his life. His legacy of compassion and faith will continue to inspire all who knew him.
