Michael was born in Macon and graduated from Mount de Sales Academy in 1977. He received his B.A. from Mercer University in 1981 and a J.D. degree from the University of Georgia Law School in 1983. He served as a Judge Advocate in the United States Air Force from 1984 to 1988, and was a member of the Georgia Air National Guard serving as a Senior Judge Advocate from 1988 to 2004, where he attained the rank of Colonel. Upon his retirement from the United States Air Force, Michael was awarded the highly prestigious Legion of Merit.
In 1988, Michael was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as an Assistant United States Attorney in 1988. In 1992, Michael moved to Athens where he began practicing private law and eventually started his own firm: Prior, Daniel and Wiltshire. He served on various prestigious boards during his career, including the Georgia Technical College Board, the Athens Chamber of Commerce Board, the Board of Directors for Athens Regional Health Plan Select, and the Board of Trustees for the Professional Association of Georgia Educators.
Michael will forever be remembered by his wife, Echo, and his two children, Ben and Claire, as well as the rest of his loving family, including three wonderful brothers, Ricky, Robert, and Mark. Michael was passionate about everything he did, whether that be painting, playing tennis with his friends, or traveling the world with his family.
To celebrate Michael's life, a visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Tuesday, July 10, at Bernstein's Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, GA 30606.
On Wednesday July 11, a funeral mass will be held at 2 p.m. at The Catholic Center at the University of Georgia, 1344 S. Lumpkin St., Athens, GA 30605.
Memorial donations in memory of Michael can be made to Extra Special People (ESP) at http://extraspecialpeople.com/donate/ or 189 VFW Drive, Watkinsville, GA 30677.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Extra Special People189 VFW Dr., Watkinsville, GA 30677
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