Michael Gann

Michael (Mike) Patrick Gann, 65, of Robbinsville, passed away at Mission Hospital in Asheville on November 22, 2020.

Born to William Delmer (Del) and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Gann on July 27, 1955 in Indiana, his family moved from Chicago to Jacksonville Beach, FL when he was in grade school. Michael attended St. Paul’s Catholic school and later graduated from Duncan U. Fletcher High School in 1973. While in high school, he met, and later married Deanna Smith (Hutchinson) and they had 3 daughters, Heather, Dawne, and Laura, before divorcing in 1976. He pursued a career in culinary arts, and throughout his career he took advantage of opportunities to train under various master chefs, and in programs offered by Disney and Johnson and Wales University.

After 20 years of living and working in the Orlando area, he moved back to Jacksonville Beach to be closer to his daughters. During his time in Orlando, he met Donna Morrison when they worked together at Florida Bay restaurant. They maintained a long-distance relationship for a time and later married in Jacksonville in 1998.

Mike had a lifelong passion for fishing, photography, music, and guitars. Many gatherings and memories include Mike bringing out his acoustic guitar and playing while everyone sang along. For many years Mike was the sound engineer for a local Jacksonville band, Tytus Hale, a second job that he cherished not just for the adventure, but most importantly for the brotherhood. They were his brothers and the fun they had will be retold as legend by all who were fortunate to be a part of it.

Mike had a wicked sense of humor and always had a one liner or joke. He could remember anything that he read and would often say that he was a fountain of useless knowledge, though it came in handy for trivia and playing along with Jeopardy at home. Many times, Mike would open his heart and home to friends in need. His later years were spent supporting his grandchildren in all their various pursuits, rocking out to Blackberry Smoke tunes, and driving through GSMP and Cades Cove capturing breathtaking photos of wildlife and scenery. His greatest joys in life were his children and grandchildren. When the distance was too great, and even when his health began to decline, he would attend school band concerts, scouting events, and dance performances virtually.

Mike was preceded in death by his beloved parents. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 22 years, Donna; his children Heather Gann, Dawne Gann, and Laura Lawson (Kurt) of Jacksonville, FL; Sean Morrison of Concord, NC, Chris Morrison (Laura) of Robbinsville, NC, and Mattie Morrison of Orlando, FL; 5 grandchildren Jared Gann, Elizabeth Lawson, Mollie Mundy, and Cody Lawson of Jacksonville, FL, and Luke Morrison of Robbinsville, NC, along with many extended family and lifelong friends.

A memorial/celebration of life will be held later when everyone can gather safely.

Please visit the Michael Gann – Memorial Wall on Facebook to share your condolences and memories of Mike.