George Merrill McMichael

George Merrill McMichael of Plantation, FL (1936-2023) passed away September 12, 2023 after unexpected complications from hip surgery.  George was born and raised in Quitman, Georgia. He was the son of William Stewart McMichael of Buena Vista, Ga and Laura Lilly McMichael of Quitman, GA and was called “Brother” by all those who knew him in his hometown and family. 

George graduated from the Quitman schools and later attended and graduated from the University of Georgia where he majored in art and education under Lamar Dodd.   After working for several years at the Buick Motor Division/General Motors and later Allyn and Bacon Publishing Company, he put his talent for design to good effect in his years as a builder/contractor in Jacaranda, FL and is credited with building the first Tudor style home in the area.  But designing and selling pools at Pool Builders Inc. in his later career gave him the opportunity to use not only his gift for design, but his natural talent in sales.  He was often the top salesperson. It was the perfect job until his retirement.  

George was a multi-talented person who played the piano by ear with a Liberace flourish.  He loved antique boats and cars which he enjoyed collecting,  refinishing and buying and selling.  George loved beautiful things and knew how to add a flair to anything!  His sense of “laugh out loud” humor was quick and clever and his recall for detail in childhood memories and events through the years was astounding.

George met his love Bonnie Grimmett McMichael in midlife and they were married for 38 years , living in Plantation FL in the home they both loved.   He is survived by his wife Bonnie, sister Eleanor McMichael Stewart and nieces and nephews. Bonnie’s three sons and their families became his Florida family.  

Visitation will be held in Plantation, FL at T. M. Ralph Funeral Home on Friday, September 15, from 10-12 o’clock.   A graveside  service will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Quitman, Georgia at 2:00 pm on Sunday.