James Michael Caruthers

Michael Caruthers, of Hernando, MS, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2015 at his home in the arms of his wife, Brenda, at the age of 75. He was the only son of Elizabeth and Clifton Caruthers born on November 1, 1939, in Memphis, TN. He attended Whitehaven High School, then worked for Alco/Quebecor as a photoengraver before retiring after 50 years. Michael was a master craftsman, a custom fabricator and award winning woodworker. There was nothing that he could not do. He was a perfectionist at what ever he did. He enjoyed doing projects for people and he always said his pay was the enjoyment and appreciation on their face. He often said that if you had to pay him for the work and hours he put in it then you wouldn't be able to afford it. If it wasn't right he didn't want it out there with his name on it. Michael took such pride in what he did and it showed. To watch someone excited about what he did for them was the best pay he could receive. He was an avid motorcyclist for 40 years and part of the Memphis Motor Cycle club, Tennessee Twos and founding member of BMW Rams club. He and his wife, Brenda, enjoyed many a vacation trip on a motorcycle traveling across the country.

Michael was the much loved husband and companion of Brenda Caruthers for 48 wonderful years. He was the adoring father of four children Debra Cole, Lisa Rizzo, Michael Van Cleave, Kurt Van Cleave and nephew Jay Martin. He was blessed to be a grandfather of five; Marcy Sasser, Kerry Allen Gheesling, Brandon Van Cleave, Devin Van Cleave, Omar Alvarez and one great grandchild Kerry Michael Gheesling. Michael is survived by two sisters Ann Rhodes and Dianna Martin along with two wonderful friends of 60 plus years, Dr. JT Montgomery and Don Wounsch. Michael's smile, sideward glances and quick wit will be missed be all that were lucky enough to know and love him. The family will have a private ceremony. They ask that any memorials be sent to his favorite charity for the Wounded Warriors Foundation.