Mike was born in Jonesboro, Ark., to Sam Gross and Patsy Clines, both of whom preceded him in death. He was 22 when he moved to Memphis.
He was the cherished husband and adored best friend to wife Kristi Gross for 28 years, and the loving and devoted father to Dylan Gross and Sami Gross, and big brother to Casey Gross.
Mike was a renowned auto dealer for 30 years in Memphis. Having started in the business while in his 20s, he quickly found his niche in life and excelled rapidly. He opened his first auto dealership in Memphis and then a second in Corinth, Miss.
After a relocation to Hilton Head, S.C., Mike attained his real estate license and found his second prosperous career in land development sales. Life came full circle, and he and his family returned to the Memphis area, residing in Collierville, Tenn.
His career journey culminated when he became partner with Butch Davis in Ripley, Miss.
The ultimate joy in Mike’s life was time spent with his family. Weekly scheduled dad-and-daughter dinner date nights were a treasured treat to his heart. And he was elated to have his son Dylan work by his side to mentor him in the auto business.
The first to arrive and the last to lock up, “dedication” would be an understatement. Everything Mike did, he gave 150 percent – he didn’t know the word “can’t.” He was always persevering, pushing himself to excel to the next level, and along the way, always extending a hand back to help others. He developed so many good friends, colleagues and customers.
When Mike did slow down, he would always be found in his favorite spot, anchored out floating in Pickwick Lake, surrounded by his family and friends and good music.
His wife always told him he was the Lord’s favorite because goodness and favor always fell on everything he touched. A self-made man and humble spirit who recognized the Lord for all his gifts, Mike never knew limits – never allowed himself to. He worked hard, loved hard and believed all things were possible. He did not know the meaning of “give up.”
He was our world and will be forever missed.
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