In Memory: Michael John Futral Jr., 33

Editor's note: the following obituary was submitted by Woodstock Funeral Home.

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Michael John Futral Jr. 33, of Woodstock, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sept. 14, 2016. A native of Cobb County, Michael was a 2001 graduate of Pope High School. He enjoyed hiking and camping with his family, trips to the Smoky Mountains and Tybee Island, and treasured the memories of roaming the creeks and woods near his childhood home.

Michael earned a black belt in Choi Kwan Do by the age of 11, and went on to play Junior Varsity football at Pope. Mountain biking became a passion in his early teen years, and he spent many hours riding with friends and tinkering with his bike. In his high school years he played guitar in a Christian rock band, went on a mission trip to Mexico to build housing for the poor, and became involved in the new culinary education program at Pope. This lead to an internship with the Marietta Conference Center his senior year. He went on to earn a degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University.

After graduating from culinary school, he worked with the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group for several years, then worked for Publix with the goal of becoming a Deli Department manager. He was a favorite smiling face behind the counter. Michael was a wonderful young man with a beautiful spirit, sharp mind, caring soul, and loving disposition. He adored his younger sister, Lauren, and was always protective of her, though often letting her tag along with the gang on their various adventures. He loved music, movies, video games, and humor, and was known for his gift of making others laugh. He struggled with his health the last few years, but loved life and fought a good fight, living every day to its fullest. His family is very proud of his many accomplishments and will miss him terribly.

He is survived by his parents Nancy and Mike Futral, and his beloved sister Lauren; maternal grandparents Amy M. Lampe of Decatur Georgia, and Ray Lampe of Templeton, Massachusetts; paternal grandparents Mary and John Futral of Savannah Georgia, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be a private family celebration of Michael's life in the coming weeks, and his ashes will be scattered at Tybee Island. Remembrances may be made to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston Hospital, where Michael spent the first two weeks of his life. Under the direction of Woodstock Funeral Home, Woodstock, GA.

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