Michael Joe Wilmoth

Michael Joe Wilmoth (62) passed away Saturday morning, June 11, 2016. Michael Joe was a loyal friend, a loving husband, a devoted father, a dedicated son and a caring brother. Born April 20, 1954 to parents Joe and Lois Gore Wilmoth, Michael Joe grew up near Dayton, Ohio and spent his childhood tinkering and fixing things. The hobby quickly turned to a profession as Michael Joe developed a love for motorcycles and cars working as a mechanic at a Honda motorcycle shop. Eventually Michael moved to Cookeville, TN to join the family business and worked as owner and Director of Operations at JWC Burger King for over 30 years. He was a beloved boss and is well respected by his employees. In 1984 Michael Joe became a father. He always put family first and was a devoted father providing love and support to his two children throughout the duration of their lives. He passed on his love for cars by taking his wife and children to car shows and teaching his children how to be self-reliant in car maintenance. His prized hot rod was a 1962 Dodge Lancer painted in Silver Spectraflair with candy apple blue flames and his motorcycle was a 1974 CB750 Honda street bike which we called "Old Blue". Michael Joe was best known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor. He could always find the lighter side of things and had "Dad jokes" down to an art. Michael Joe was preceded in death by his mother Lois Gore Wilmoth and will be looking forward to seeing her in Heaven as he often sang "Mama, I'm coming home," in his last months. Michael Joe is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Sharon Rai Wilmoth; his children Joe Bradley Wilmoth with spouse Patience Wilmoth, and Lacey Rai Lapham with spouse Ryen Lapham; his grandchildren Emery Gage Wilmoth, Oktober Ann Wilmoth, and Lawrence Michael Lapham; his father Joe Wilmoth; and his sisters Teresa (Greg) Bruce, Rhonda (Dr. Sullivan) Smith, Tish (John) Short and Melody West. Celebration of Life services are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2016, at Living Hope Church (1020 E. Spring St., Cookeville, TN 38501) with Pastor Ron Allen officiating. Michael Joe's family will receive friends immediately following services at the church. In lieu of flowers, Michael Joe's family suggests memorial contributions be made in his name to: Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt (VUMC Gift & Donor Services, 2525 West End Ave., Suite 450, Nashville, TN 37203-1761) or Scottish Rite Masons Research Institute for Communication Disorders (Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, 1215 21st Ave. S, Suite 6308, Nashville, TN 37232-8718) Hooper-Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 931-526-6111 www.hhhfunerals.com