Michael Coley Mann

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” - Psalm 116:15

Michael Coley Mann entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on July 28, 2026 surrounded by loved ones, with Scripture being read and hymns being played.

Over the past two years, Michael fought an incredible battle against cancer in his heart. He held great hope that “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain... My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” (Philippians 1:21)

His greatest desire was to be with Christ, yet his will to fight and endure suffering to spend more time with those he loved carried him through his days. He deeply loved his family, his church, his Chick-fil-A family and his vast community of friends. His greatest joy was sharing the hope of Christ with those he loved and pouring his life out for others.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

Michael was born on October 3, 1989 in Birmingham, AL to Bill and Sheree Mann. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2011 (while faithful to the Auburn Tigers and wore his Cam Newton jersey under his cap and gown). Michael’s job at Chick-fil-A of Athens spanned from 2010 to 2026, where he grew as a leader under the care and influence of Shane Todd and Sullivan Beasley. It was at Chick-fil-A where he met Stephanie Mann. They were married in 2017, unbeknownst to them celebrating their wedding the day after their first son was born in Colombia, South America; a sweet gift that was a constant reminder of God’s sovereignty in His timing. Michael served as an elder at Cleveland Road Baptist Church beginning in 2020. It was here that he did what his heart loved and held dear; serving the Church, displaying the love of Christ and building others up in the hope of Christ.

One of Michael’s greatest joys in life was being a husband to Stephanie and father to Estiven and Thomas. He lived daily to the call of “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25)

In his days of health he loved teaching the boys to fish. You would often find them fishing off the bank or out on the boat for their boys’ days together. Michael learned and mastered his fishing skills from his Granddaddy and Dad in Alabama, where as an adult he continued to go annually with his Dad and brother. Always a devoted Auburn fan, he attended countless games over many years and rushed the field following the Kick Six vs Bama. Michael had the opportunity to live in North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama before moving to Georgia where he positively influenced so many lives around him and left a host of friends in each place. Some of his most fond moments are from coworkers, customers and friends from his 16 years working for Chick-fil-A of Athens.

Michael is survived by his wife of nearly ten years, Stephanie Mann; his children Estiven Mann (9) and Thomas Mann (4); his father, Bill (Beth) Mann, mother-in-law Stacye (Ryan) DeLoatch, father-in-law Steve (Madelyn) Brown; his siblings, Lindsey (JP) Chesser, Lydia (Josh) Zapata, Seth Mann, Elizabeth (Sean) Mann, James Mann; step-siblings, Ashton (Riley) Johnson, Kyle (Crissey) Pearson; sister-in-law, Jessica (Jonathan) Nixon; and several nephews and niece. Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Sheree Mann; his maternal grandparents, Bob Coley and Cleo Coley; and his paternal grandparents, Roy and Mary Mann.

A celebration of life will be held at Cleveland Road Baptist Church on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The family requests guests wear bright colors, as Michael was known for his neon casual fashion choices. Following the service, family will welcome friends and loved ones in the fellowship hall at Cleveland Road Baptist Church. A live stream of the service will be available at https://youtube.com/@clevelandroadbaptistchurch?si=vQAnhTspxtmHo609

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Mann Family Fund at the Athens Area Community Foundation, PO Box 1543, Athens, GA 30603. Donate online at: https://athensareacf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=7270

This fund will be a place where Stephanie and her boys can make charitable gifts in memory of Michael, together, supporting the things he loved most: adoption ministry, sharing of the Gospel and our local church.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)