Michael (Mike) Paul Wess' Obituary
Michael "Mike" Paul Wess, 75, passed away at his home in Lakeland, TN, on July 31, 2024.
Born in Memphis on October 19, 1948, to Rachel (Callis) Wess and L.P. Wess, Mike was raised alongside his two younger siblings, Tom Wess and Margaret Wess, who preceded him in death.
In August 1971, Mike married Donna (Gentry) Wess, and they shared over 53 years of happiness. They enjoyed international cruises and cross-country RV trips together. Mike also loved hiking in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park with his family. They visited the area often in earlier years.
Mike and Donna raised two children, Christopher (Kristin) Wess and Sarah (Ben) Wess Potter. He was a devoted husband and father and a beloved “Grampy” to his five grandchildren: Kathryn Potter (18), Helena Potter (16), Justin Wess (10), Talia Wess (8), and Henry Wess (6).
Mike attended Christian Brothers High School in Memphis before pursuing his passion for architecture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he graduated with a BA in architecture in 1971. A lifelong, fervent Vols fan, Mike's cheers could be heard states away during football season.
He worked for several architectural firms in the Memphis region for over 40 years, specializing in healthcare facility design. He contributed to many notable projects, including multiple additions to Baptist Memorial Hospital. Known as a "Revit [software] genius by day, Santa Claus by night," Mike retired from A2H in 2018.
A devout Catholic, Mike was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. With his white hair, beard, and boisterous laugh, he brought joy to many by portraying Santa Claus at church events. He regularly attended mass, sang in the choir, and guided his grandchildren as they took their first communion, serving as an altar boy as he did in his youth.
Mike was known for his unwavering acceptance and love for those around him. He cherished time spent golfing and fishing with friends and reading books to his grandkids every night. He was playful and silly with his children and grandchildren, often sharing their photos and funny stories with others. His legacy of love and acceptance will live on through his family.
Mike will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, located at 8151 Chimneyrock Blvd, Cordova, TN. Burial will take place at noon at Memorial Park Funeral Home at 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis.
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