Michael Robert Risher

Mike was born in Scotland in November 1967, the second child of his parents. In 1969, Mike’s family moved to Michigan, and then relocated to Athens in 1975, where he attended the Clarke County Schools, starting with Barnett Shoals Elementary School, then Hilsman Middle School, and finally graduating from Cedar Shoals High School. Mike then attended The University of Georgia where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Mike valued youth development and participated in several organizations in his early years, including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and 4-H, remaining involved in these organizations well into adulthood. Mike valued 4-H, specifically Forestry. He Mastered more than 6 times in 4-H, including Poultry Judging, Dairy Judging, Dairy Quiz Bowl, Forestry Field Days, Individual Project Forestry, and State Archery. He also served as a Rock Eagle Counselor. Mike was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at age 15, the youngest recipient of that award in the state of Georgia at that time. He furthered his support of Scouts serving as Cub Scout Pack Master in Oconee County and provided leadership support to Boy Scout Troop 7. Mike and his son Michael attended several Boy Scout trips including canoeing Boundary Waters and Philmont Scout Camp.

Mike worked his way through college as an employee at Eaton Corporation and continued his career there for 22 years, progressing from the starting position of Machine Operator. His career at Eaton over the years evolved through Manufacturing, IT and Engineering positions as his natural technical mindset resulted in success regardless of the path he was presented. He traveled to several countries during his time at Eaton, assisting other Eaton facilities, including a new supercharger plant in Tchew, Poland, to develop final product testing and data analysis that optimized testing and manufacturing processes.

Mike was presented with the opportunity to join the Athens Caterpillar facility in 2013, helping to develop automated systems and processes for Assembly and Testing in this new facility prior to the commencement of production. Mike’s position evolved over time to include developing and supporting a testing process in the China production facility, as well serving on a task force to increase production in Athens, resulting in success and corporate level exposure and acknowledgment.

After almost 10 years at Caterpillar, as a Quality Manager on the leadership team, Mike joined Polias, LLC as Director of Construction, where he and DeeDee both worked on the leadership team.

Mike met his true love, DeeDee, while working at Eaton, and they later enjoyed their time together at Polias, working on commercial property development and revitalization projects in and around Athens and Oconee County. Mike’s family was the greatest source of joy in his life. He loved the outdoors, and could be found with the boys fishing, hiking and camping on Boy Scout trips, hunting, and enjoying various watersports at Hartwell. His sons were his absolute pride and joy, and Mike always supported their passions and endeavors while also appreciating their individuality. Mike loved all things mechanical, teaching Michael about computers, electronics, cars and just about any other machine. Mike was also a lifelong Dawgs and sports fan, a passion that he shared with Drew, especially during football season. When Drew’s passion in music peaked, Mike’s musical background playing piano and trombone was rekindled, and he fueled Drew’s musical enthusiasm.

Mike and Dorothy Graham Riley Lynch (DeeDee) were married in November 2002, in Athens. Their son, Michael Willox, was born in 2004; their son, Andrew Graham completed the family in 2008. Mike was preceded in death by his father Thomas Charles Risher and mother Norah Easton Risher. He is survived by his two children and his loving wife, DeeDee. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Carol and Steve Pawlik of Dawsonville, Georgia and their children Stephen (Jennifer), Alyssa (Robert) Knickerbocker and Sara (fiancé Andrew Chambers); and his sister Diana Risher, also of Athens, as well as by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mike was a member of The Catholic Center at the University of Georgia.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM, The Catholic Center at The University of Georgia, 1344 S. Lumpkin Street, Athens, Georgia 30605.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mike’s memory be sent to Boy Scouts of America, Georgia 4-H or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The family will receive friends after the memorial service.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.