Michael J. Espinosa, 65, died October 12, 2022, suddenly but while peacefully asleep in his home in Lavonia, Georgia.

Born in Atlanta, Mike was a homegrown Georgia peach: He sported Bulldogs and Falcons gear, he watched NASCAR races and wrestling matches, and he enjoyed southern food. Mike was proud of his front-row seat to some of the metro area's historical milestones. He attended Riverwood International Charter School in Sandy Springs shortly after it opened and was part of the school's second graduating class in 1975.

He boasted about taking courses in business and computer science at Kennesaw College in the early '80s, only a few years after "Junior" was dropped from the institution's name. Mike walked the campus before any residential housing existed, 15 years before it became Kennesaw State University, and three decades before the Owls hit the gridiron.

In the '90s and early 2000s, he traveled overseas as an international sales manager and marketing director for Bondo Corporation. If ever he encountered a picky eater, Mike loved to regale them with tales of business lunches in foreign countries — his favorite was the time he was served octopus, "which was actually pretty good," he would say.

He also worked as a buyer at Apollo Industries for 12 years, and later held a similar position at Dixie Converting Corporation.

More recently, Mike supported his partner of 22 years, Debra D. Singletary, and worked with her in animal rescue. Over the past decade, they created an online network of animal advocates that helps bridge the gap between individual pet owners, animal shelters, and rescue groups. Mike was an integral part of their nonprofit organization, Southeast Animal Welfare Services, and often transported dogs and cats cross-country to escape euthanasia and find "fur-ever homes."

Standing 6 feet tall and always a little scruffy, Mike pretended to be tough, but he melted over those dogs.

Along with Debra, Mike is survived by his sons, Raymond and Alex Espinosa; his step-daughter, Sierra Hubbard; and his son-in-law, James Al-Nizarr; and his siblings — Susan E. Mullin and Chris, David and Philip Espinosa — and their families. He also leaves behind the family's fur-babies — Nickie, Holli, Pippa and Diego — who will miss him dearly.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Sue and Raymond Espinosa, and his sister, Kathleen E. Bricker.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Mike's life at his memorial service Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, starting at 2 p.m. The service will be held at Sleep Inn & Suites, 181 Metromont Road in Hiram, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Southeast Animal Welfare Services. Contributions can be sent via PayPal to rescuedandsafe@yahoo.com .

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register and leave personal condolences to the family, please visit stricklandfh.com.