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Michael O. Efird, age 86, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away on January 29, 2020.
Mike was a graduate of VPI, a forest ranger and computer systems analyst with the U.S. Forest Service; a zookeeper at Zoo Atlanta; a volunteer at DeKalb Fire Rescue, KDB, the PRISM police luncheon, as well as in the neighborhood. He said he never volunteered for anything. Betty just asked, “Honey, will you …?”. He was an avid woodworker and a voracious reader until illnesses took away those abilities. He loved his family, steak, shrimp, crab legs and singing hymns (off key) in church. He seemed to have prolonged his life by sheer force in order to see his granddaughter, Gillian Vaughn, get her master’s degree and marry Matthew Heard.
Michael is survived by his wife of 50 years, Betty Ledbetter Efird; son, Mark Allen; daughter, Melanie Vaughn (Steve); grandson, Zachary Vaughn; granddaughter, Gillian Heard (Matthew); brother, Robert Efird (Frances); sister in law, Joan G. Efird, as well as nieces and nephews. His caregiver, Monica Matthews, is appreciated for her kindness during the last few months. Mike fought but lost the battle.
At Mike’s request, no service is planned.
In Mike’s memory, donations can be given to Avondale Estates First Baptist Church, 47 Covington Hwy, Avondale Estates, GA 30002 or to a charity of their choosing.
The family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 3570 Buford Hwy #202, Duluth, GA 30096 www.GeorgiaCremation.com (678) 584-0914
Deneen Daniels says
Please accept my late condolences to the family. My name is Deneen Daniels (Wells). I believe this us that Mike that I knew over 27 years ago when I worked at National Data Corporation as a young single mom (28yrs old). I worked with him on a computer help desk on North Druid Hills in the early 1990’s. I hate that I lost touch with such a man that didn’t know he played a pivotal roll in this little African American women’s life. I am sadden that I didn’t get a chance to tell him how much he positively impacted my life with his guidance and some of the zoo and forestry stories he could tell that kept the team spirits uplifted.He would be so proud of me now as I used every skill and financial advice that he shared with me. I know that he truly enjoyed New Orleans food; especially shrimp etouffee. His spirit will always live in my heart.