It is with regret that we announce the passing of Michael DeWitt Vannatta, age 58, of Fayetteville, TN. Funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Higgins Funeral Home with David Mills officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be from 12 pm to 2 pm on Saturday, June 4 at Higgins.
Mike was born September 1, 1963, in Rutherford County, TN. He was a 1982 graduate of Lincoln County High School. Mike obtained his undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University and his master’s degree from Trevecca Nazarene University. He went on to receive his EDS from MTSU. Mike worked for many years teaching history and English as well as coaching football first for Bedford County Schools and finished his career with Lincoln County Schools. He enjoyed sports and was a basketball referee for several years. Mike also loved watching UT and MTSU football and he was a history buff, talking about and studying any chance he had. He passed away May 25, 2022, at Huntsville Hospital.
Survivors include his mother, Barbara Elmore Vannatta of Fayetteville; wife, Jennifer Newman Vannatta of Fayetteville; son, Nolan Michael Vannatta of Shelbyville; aunts, Judy Hornaday of Wartrace, Faye Windham and husband Joe of Lilburn, GA, June Gilmore and husband Jim of Bell Buckle; cousin, Punt Windham and wife Kim of Stone Mountian, GA. Mike was preceded in death by his father, William “Don” Vannatta; and uncle, Wayne Hornaday.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Michael DeWitt Vannatta.
26 Comments To "Michael DeWitt Vannatta"
#1 Comment By Linda Holland On May 27, 2022 @ 8:29 am
Barbara, I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was always a fun loving guy. I remember well when we were neighbors and how much fun we had! He will certainly be missed by so many. I will be thinking of you in the coming days and weeks.
#2 Comment By Lenace Hyde On May 27, 2022 @ 8:42 am
Mrs. V,
I am so sorry to read of Mike’s passing. I am praying for peace and comfort for you and the rest of the family during this great time of loss. You know I love you and forever will.
Lenace
#3 Comment By Kim McWhirter On May 27, 2022 @ 8:55 am
Keeping Mike’s family in my prayers. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Mike was such a nice man.
#4 Comment By Teresa and Tracy Simmons On May 27, 2022 @ 9:34 am
Jen, my heart is breaking for you. I love you and am here for you at ANY time if you need me.
#5 Comment By Cordelia Tanner On May 27, 2022 @ 9:42 am
Prayers, Barbara, for you and your family. So sorry to hear this.
#6 Comment By Christi Thompson On May 27, 2022 @ 10:00 am
Jennifer, my heart breaks for you. I will continue praying for you as you navigate the next steps of this journey. Sending hugs friend.
#7 Comment By Jeanie Hyde On May 27, 2022 @ 12:27 pm
Mike was a great guy. I always enjoyed seeing him. My prayers are with all of in this time of sorrow.
#8 Comment By Lynn Towry Brown On May 27, 2022 @ 12:38 pm
Prayers send to the family, so sorry for your loss
#9 Comment By Jimbo Gray On May 27, 2022 @ 2:55 pm
So sorry of learning of Mike’s passing. Peace be with you.
#10 Comment By CAPTAIN SCOTT SHELTON On May 27, 2022 @ 3:05 pm
Barbara, Jennifer,
The entire family is mourning Mike’s passing.
Having known him my entire life, it is so sad.
We will miss our talks. He is with Don now and talking sports, no doubt.
Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. If we can be of any assistance, please let us know.
Love you
#11 Comment By Lereca Hicks Swinford On May 27, 2022 @ 7:27 pm
We are sorry for your loss. I went to school with Mike and remember him from the Country Club when he was a life guard. He was always so sweet. Prayers with you and your family.
#12 Comment By Wanda Shelton On May 28, 2022 @ 5:29 am
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I talked to one of his former students last night and he shared how Mike made him better. I am sure there are many stories like that across two counties this morning. Prayers for his wife, his mom, his son, and his entire family.
#13 Comment By Nancy Glover Lane On May 28, 2022 @ 9:23 am
So sorry to hear about Mike’s passing.
#14 Comment By Donna On May 29, 2022 @ 8:40 am
Jennifer I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am sending hugs via Mickey to you and praying for your days ahead.
#15 Comment By Wanda and Bob Williams On May 29, 2022 @ 12:04 pm
Barbara and family, We are so sorry for your great loss of Mike. He will certainly be missed by so many people. May God grant you peace and comfort as you adjust to the days and months ahead. Our prayers and thoughts are certainly with you all. Our love, Wanda and Bob Williams and Naomi Wallace
#16 Comment By Regina Ramse-Tate On May 29, 2022 @ 10:24 pm
Mike will be missed. Attended school with Mike . I’m so sorry to learn of his passing. I pray for his family during this difficult time.
Regina Ramsey-Tate
#17 Comment By LCHS Class of 1988 On May 31, 2022 @ 6:32 pm
Mike was the lifeguard at the swimming pool I grew up around. That meant that for about the first 4 years of my teenage life away from school Mike was the the judge and jury over every fight, running or diving violation that we all committed. Looking back we were a very disagreeable group of young boys and we used our fists a lot. Mike was always quick to break us up and was always just with his discipline. I had complete respect for him. He was a friend to us for sure. We love you Mrs. Vannatta
#18 Comment By Sharon Price John On June 1, 2022 @ 6:23 am
So sorry to hear this untimely and incredibly sad news. Mike kindly taking the hand of a crying 1st grader (me) on the very first day of Charlie Bagley School followed by a plethora of precious childhood memories will always warm my heart — especially those from our wonderful neighborhood. Mike was a kind soul. I know he will be missed. My sincere thoughts go out to you, Ms Barbara.
#19 Comment By Agnes Marie Barnes On June 2, 2022 @ 7:22 am
So sorry, thinking of you, l can’t even begin to feel the pain of losing a child. .my thoughts and prayers are with you.
#20 Comment By Joyce Johnson On June 2, 2022 @ 7:27 pm
Barbara I am so sorry for your loss. I know it is the worst loss you can feel. I have heard so many nice things about Mike. I really did not know him but with Don and Bill working together I heard about him often. I would see Don most every day at Senior Citizens and Don and I talked about our children. I know Adam was close to him and Adam was my neighbor out here for a lot of years, I called him to let him know how sorry I was for him. I wish I could do something for you but I do not get out, I do not have a car any more so I am just here. You will be in my Prayers. Love Joyce.
#21 Comment By Bruce On June 3, 2022 @ 6:29 am
Mike and i roomed together in Murfreesboro at the AGR house. He was my best man in my wedding in 1988.
#22 Comment By Rob Faison On June 4, 2022 @ 4:48 am
I am so sorry for your loss, Mike will always hold a special place in my heart. He was a like a brother.
We have so many memories with him.
Rest In Peace my friend.
#23 Comment By Katy Gatlin On June 4, 2022 @ 1:33 pm
Jennifer, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know the last time we spoke I could see the true happiness that Mike had brought into your life. Please know we will be keeping you and Mikes family in our thoughts and prayers. Love you!
#24 Comment By Melissa Crabtree Haston On June 7, 2022 @ 1:33 am
I’m so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was one of the few people I’ve known my entire life starting with Sunday school when we were toddlers. One of my favorite memories of Mike was in elementary school when he and Lee Maddox sang Joy to the World to the school during Friday morning assembly. I can still see them parading up the gym floor and thinking how cool and confident they were as well as great singers. Mike was always joyful. He will be missed.
#25 Comment By Brenda Ables On June 9, 2022 @ 9:59 am
Barbara as one mother of an only child to another I feel your pain. I am so sorry for your loss of your sweet son.
#26 Comment By Laura Crum On June 23, 2022 @ 11:45 am
While I’ve only known Mike for a few years, he sure made a big impact. I will miss his stories and interesting conversations. RIP, Mike!