Michael Ray Bourgeois

He grew up on the gulf coast and joined the U.S. Navy at 18. He met his beautiful wife, Margaret Bohjanen, at a USO dance in Seaside, Oregon and were married for 65 incredible years! After multiple military assignments around the country, he settled with his family in Atlantic Beach, Florida in 1960. He retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of honor and service to our country.

Not one to sit still, he then served as a security officer and fireman at the Mayport Naval Station, for another 20+ years. Known as Frenchie to his friends, he was a member of St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, where he enjoyed volunteering as an usher, welcoming everyone there each Sunday back in the day, and even organized their infamous bingo nights.

He was also a member of the Fleet Reserve in Atlantic Beach, where you would find him having a beer and catching up with friends. Watching old westerns and ball games was always a favorite, whether it was the Atlanta Braves, Jacksonville Jaguars, or any of his top college football teams - he actually saw the Jags win one last time this past Sunday! Cooking for his family was always a treat and became well known for his amazing Shrimp Creole and Cajun style Red Beans & Rice.

When he wasn’t working or with family, Frenchie was out on the golf course at sunrise or at his favorite bowling alley making notable strikes. He was a man who loved life, always on the go, but enjoyed most of all, dancing with his wife. Frenchie loved his family and friends like no other and was also especially blessed with sweet next-door neighbors who were always there for him.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather… Frenchie is survived by his children, Ray Bourgeois (Mary Ann) of Frisco, Texas; Diane Hoch of Jacksonville, Florida; Tina Rumburg (David) of Gastonia, North Carolina; Al Bourgeois (Jennifer) of Jacksonville, Florida; Steve Bourgeois (Melinda) of Rockford, Alabama; 18 grandchildren; and 28 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, his parents, and 9 siblings.

A family service will be held at the Beaches Memorial Park 1500 Main Street Atlantic Beach FL, on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 10am to celebrate his wonderful and everlasting life. Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL.