Michael Austin Love

It is with deep sadness that the family of Michael Austin Love, 35, shares the passing of our son, brother, and nephew on Sept 2, 2022. Mike was an intelligent, athletic, creative and caring person. He excelled at almost anything he set his mind to.

Mike had the ability to share thoughts beautifully when writing. He typically liked to put things out there to get folks engaged in meaningful conversation through the written word.

Michael enjoyed spending time outdoors; whether kayaking with family and friends or on annual rafting trips with high school friends. Mike flew to Alaska to meet up with a friend to drive cross country and experience some winter sports in Oregon, Wyoming, and Colorado. The following year Mike spent 2 weeks in Alaska. Salmon fishing, river trips, and motorcycle riding through the mountains were highlights. Mike was able to assist with the Gauley Race in West Virginia.

Mike developed as a dancer with the local Dance Tonight crew. He participated in many dance performances and social events with this group. It was a joy in his life. He participated as a professional dancer in the local Dancing with the Stars Chattanooga for three years. Most recently he attended weekly group dance classes and individual lessons to develop his West Coast Swing with the Chattanooga Westies.

Mike was an entrepreneur. Mike was introduced to the car business, and saw it as a business potential. He worked to develop a pipeline of local business partners to help him put solid used cars in the market. He was a go getter building his business from the ground up, locating quality used vehicles, retrieving them, getting issues addressed and up for sale. Michael opened Scenic City Motors LLC with a business partner in 2016. Michael was still in the hustle at the time of his passing.

Michael struggled with mental health issues of intense social anxiety and depression. Like many with these conditions, he sought relief from doctors in the medical and psychology fields. It was a constant struggle to find effective medication, or ones that did not have unwanted side effects disrupting his daily life. Turning to street drugs for relief, the disease of addiction struck. Mike wanted to get better and attended several treatment programs over the years, coming home ready to live life on new terms. He tried his best to take steps to change the course of his life, but ultimately the disease of addiction out smarts even the most creative and savvy individuals. Mike had been making continual progress in his recovery, however with a resent relapse, drugs impaired his brain, and he suffered an inability to make sound decisions. In his attempt to relieve intolerable emotional pain, the disease of addiction stole his life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, or other mental health issues, don’t give up hope. There are many resources that can assist you. Please be kind to one another, you don’t know what people are dealing with.

Mike is survived by his mother Pam Love and stepfather Doug Sanville of Ooltewah; his father, Bill Love of Greeneville, TN; brother, Aaron Love of Chattanooga; grandfather, Manuel Godena of Knoxville; aunts Debbie Ferguson and Nancy Thurman; cousins Spencer & Christopher Ferguson and Marie, Brittney & Oliver Thurman all of Knoxville. He has extended family in Greeneville, TN.

Receiving of Friends will take place at St. Stephens Catholic Church, 7111 Lee Hwy, Tuesday Sept 13 from 10-11am. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately following at 11am.

A Celebration of Michael’s Life will be held Sunday, Sept 18 from 4-6 pm at The Chattanooga Event Center, 2193 Park Drive.

Donations in lieu of flowers the family suggests Hope Rocks, https://hoperocksevents.givingfuel.com/hope-rocks-events or Humane Educational Society, https://www.heschatt.org/tributes

Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com

Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.