Michael Jerome Bone

Michael Jerome Bone, age 81, passed away on April 18, 2026. Funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta, Georgia with burial to follow at Cheatham Hill Memorial Park in Marietta, Georgia.

Mike began making records from the very start. Born on April 26, 1944, he set a record as the quickest-born first-time baby at Georgia Baptist Hospital. From an early age, Mike developed a love for the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and deer hunter. Growing up, his father took him on many fishing trips to Lake Allatoona and Lake Sinclair, and on vacations to Tallulah Falls and the Okefenokee Swamp. Whether using a cane pole with worms, fishing rod, gun, or bow and arrow, Mike found joy in the outdoors—moments that became some of his most treasured memories.

As a young boy, Mike was competitive in sports and enjoyed playing basketball with the older boys in the neighborhood. He was also known as the best shot—not with a gun, but with marbles. Mike would leave with a small bag of marbles and his special shooter and return home with a full bag.

His next records were made during his high school years at John McEachern High School. He lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He excelled in athletics, earning numerous accolades and medals for both team and individual achievements. He was also recognized in the high school yearbook with two superlative awards: Most Athletic and, the following year, Best Looking.

Football was his greatest passion. Mike was part of the early years of McEachern’s football program. Mike handled kickoffs and field goals and served as a team captain for the McEachern Indians. He ranked in the Georgia high school records for both offense and defense. As the kicker, he placed second in both the distance and number of field goals made. On defense, he ranked for the number of interceptions, demonstrating his versatility and skill on the field. He played with determination and quiet confidence, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches.

For his high school skills, he earned Georgia All-State Team Honorable Mention in 1962 and was named to the Georgia All-State Team in 1963. Mike was the first McEachern athlete to be awarded a full scholarship to college. He was scouted by top colleges, including UGA, Georgia Tech, and Auburn, but following his coach’s wishes, he selected Chattanooga, his alma mater. In 2019, he was inducted into the John McEachern High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Mike and Peggy Pearson were honored as Football Beau and Football Sweetheart during their high school years—a beginning that led to a lifelong love story. They were married in 1965 and have shared 61 wonderful years together, raising three children: Dawn, Michael, and Erik. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

Mike was a Boy Scout leader and a baseball coach for his children, sharing his love of sports and the outdoors while guiding and encouraging them.

He was actively involved in church activities as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,. He played on the All-Church softball team, and on their first trip, the team won the LDS World Softball Tournament, becoming World Champions.

Mike retired from Lockheed, where he held a variety of roles and worked on many different aircraft throughout his career. He was known for his strong work ethic and dedication.

One of the highlights of his life was a trip to South Africa with Peggy and friends. They hunted and captured the experience through photographs, creating lasting memories.

Mike was preceded in death by his loving parents, Doyal and Louise Ragsdale Bone.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Peggy Pearson Bone, and their three children: Dawn (Richard) Lanthorn, Michael (Rose), and Erik (Brittney), and seven grandchildren: Lauren (Brandon) Bone-Kibler, Dylan Bone, Isabella Bone, Lexi Bone, Ethan Bone, Jaxson Bone, and Lincoln Bone and one sister, Elaine (Phil) Mathis. Mike was a proud father and grandfather who cherished the time he spent with each of them.

Mike will be remembered as a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His strength, his stories, and the pride he carried—whether on the field or in the quiet of the woods—will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing he is now at peace and reunited with those who went before him.

From the very beginning, Mike was setting records—and the greatest of all was the life he lived and the love he leaves behind.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta, Georgia.