Michael Sanson, 61 of Etowah passed away peacefully Thursday, November 20, 2014 at his home. As he wished, he died in his own bed, surrounded by his family. Mike was blessed with the gift of service which endeared him to his family. No task too difficult, no distance too far-Mike willingly and unselfishly gave of his time and resources. He served in the U.S. Army Special Forces on search and reconnaissance missions during the Vietnam conflict. He retired from Bowater after 33 years of employment, and was a gentleman farmer, a selfless friend, devoted father and loving husband. Mike accepted Christ as his savior at the age of 10 and recently attended Calvary Baptist Church in Riceville. Secure in his faith and the promise of our Lord, Mike will be joyfully reunited with the mother that raised him, Dorothy Sanson, and by his birth mother Ruby Akins. Already missing him, but cherishing his memory, his wife Shawn; daughter, Lindsey and husband Chris Ownby of Cleveland; son, Phillip and wife Kristen of Dalton, GA; step-daughter, Sara Woods; son, Alex and daughter, Kelly Sanson both of Etowah. Remaining true to his nature and loving him as his own, Mike had adopted his grandson, Kaden, and treasured all his other grandchildren, Henry Woods, Issac Ownby and Trinity Sanson. Other dear family members include his father, Earl Sanson and lady friend Dale Dotson of Cleveland; sister, Debbie and Kenneth Gregg of Charleston; sister, Tammy Sirbaugh of West Virginia; father-in-law, Johnny Payne of Goodsprings; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Tim and Donna Carter of Etowah; sister-in-law, Shannon Kevi Payne of Cleveland and Kourtney Hutcheson of Athens; a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other family members.

Too quickly gone so greatly loved.

Funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, November 22, 2014 in the South Chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home with Military Honors. Family will receive friends from 2:00 to 5:00 Saturday prior to the service.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bible fund, c/o Calvary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 3354, Riceville, TN 37370.