Mike Tumlin

Mike, affectionately known as “PaPa”, “Pop”, or “Doc”, was born in Marietta, Georgia in 1962 to James Wendell and Sibyl Payne Tumlin. He retired from Cobb County Public Safety in January of 2018, quickly became bored and returned to the department two months later. Ever the dedicated worker, he was always going the extra mile, even if that meant an injury was overlooked (very much the case on most occasions). He could be stubborn to a fault, which only meant his work ethic and drive was incredibly sufficient.

Mike wore many hats - husband, father, grandfather, handy man, mechanic, and cook being just a few he kept on hand. His love for the outdoors developed at an early age and never subsided. He was a man of many interests, some you may not expect from a “good ol’ country boy”. He enjoyed fishing and target shooting as much as baking and puzzling. You could catch him singing a Charlie Daniel’s Band song atop of his Kubota tractor in the morning and baking the best dang shortbread cookies you’ve ever tasted that evening to the tune of an old gospel hymn. The point being, the man loved to sing. He also didn’t mind a good cheesecake - his family may be biased, but the best ones were made by him.

Mike enjoyed spending his days with his loving wife, Denise, of 40 years and their, one could say “unique”, dog, Rylee. Any time with his two grandsons was considered time well spent, even if that meant watching a ball slowly roll toward him or hearing, “Hey PaPa, watch this!” a hundred times. A man with a true servant’s heart, he found joy in cooking and baking for others as well as serving alongside friends at West Ridge Church. He would watch any football game available on tv, even if it first aired in 1980 - honestly, those were preferred.

Considered to be an outstanding family man, Mike always made it a point to attend each and every sporting event where his kids and grandkids were involved, even if that meant driving to a different state. He was a loyal, funny, kind man that always had a great dad joke at hand. He never met a stranger, only friends. The impact he had on his community, family, and friends is felt significantly and will be remembered in high regard.

There is so much more to be said for a man like Mike Tumlin, but he would be embarrassed by how much that’s been said already. He is and will be terribly missed.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents James Wendell and Sibyl Payne Tumlin. He is survived by his wife Denise; son Josh (Erin); daughter Ashley (Alejandro) Guerrero; grandsons Aiden “AJ" Tumlin and Theo “TJ” Guerrero; sister Diana Gobbi (Mike). He’s also survived by a host of brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews.

A visitation will be held at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Kennesaw Friday, May 24th from 11:00am - 1:00pm followed by a service in his honor. Wear your best or your worst - Mike would have no preference.