Michael Emerson Garland, age 75, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024 at his residence. He was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, a son of the late James Willard Garland and Marceline Ann Day Garland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. EP Day; one sister, Rebecca Ann Osborne; uncle, Jim Day; and brother-in-law who was like a brother, Edgar “Bud” Droke.
Michael was a veteran of the United States Army who served in Vietnam. He loved serving his country and during his time of service he met a fellow resident of Johnson City, Mr. Jim Parks who became lifelong friends and remained close until his passing. He was a member of Midway Baptist Church where he drove the church bus and loved picking up children and adults for church. He retired from driving tractor and trailers for various companies, and most recently had worked as a dispatcher for Summers-Taylor. He loved to fish, even made homemade fishing lures, guns, and spending time with his family and friends. Michael was an avid University of Tennessee fan and animal lover especially of his dog, Minnie.
He is survived by one sister, Linda Droke; two nieces, Shannon Droke Jones and husband Wayne, and Emily Campbell and husband Jeremiah; one nephew, Mark Droke and wife Emily; step-son, Adam Deakins; special uncle and fishing buddy, Robert “Bob” Day; best friend, Ronnie Brown; several aunts, uncles, cousins, great nieces and nephews; and one great-great niece.
The family will receive friends Thursday, December 26, 2024 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Monte Vista Funeral Home. Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Bill Taylor officiating. Committal Service and Interment will be held Thursday, December 26, 2024 at 1:00 PM in the Historical Site of Mountain Home National Cemetery with military honors to be rendered by Hawkins County Honor Guard and members of the Army National Guard. Pallbearers will be Wayne Jones, Jeremiah Campbell, Johnny Duncan, Ronnie Brown, Michael Droke, and Adam Deakins.
The family would like to extend their thanks to Gentiva Hospice, John Bartley Duncan and Tinkie Lee Epley for all the love and care that was shown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be sent to the VA Homeless Veterans Program.
Arrangements especially for Mr. Michael Emerson Garland and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
