Michael Sean Mehaffey, 54, passed away Wednesday evening, May 27, 2020, after a four-month battle with esophageal cancer. His mother, Cheri Wallace Matthews, and stepfather, Gary Matthews, were with him when he died at their home.
He is also survived by his brother, Shannon Patrick Mehaffey, of North Carolina; father, Noah Levia, of Arizona; aunt, Zephyr Miller, uncle, James Miller, of California; cousin, Jamil Tanguay, of California; and a half-brother, Jonah Levia.
Michael (known as “Mike” to most of his friends, and as “Sean” to his immediate family) was a combat veteran who fought in the Persian Gulf War (“Desert Storm”). He graduated from the University of Tennessee and worked at Parkwest Hospital, among other positions.
He was a self-taught scholar of cultural anthropology, particularly as it relates to Appalachian history and language. He spoke German and traditional Gaelic, having adopted the Gaelic name Michèil Mac Ghille Chathbhaidh. He also was an accomplished musician, composing and recording avant-garde electronic keyboard pieces. He continued to work on his music till the very end, when he died surrounded by his instruments.
A Burial Service will be held at 9:30 a.m. June 4, 2020 at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Hwy. Friends are invited to share memories and sign the online guestbook at www.berryfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920.
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