Michael Holbrook

Wayne Michael Holbrook, age 75, of Canton, GA passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday afternoon, September 8, 2024. As he went home to be with his Savior, he was surrounded by his family who he loved dearly. Known to his family and friends as Michael or Mike, to his children as “Dad” and his grandchildren as “Pop,” he was a devoted husband and a dedicated provider to his children and grandchildren. Young and in love, he was excited to marry his beautiful wife Jean in 1974, and he was an immensely proud and happy father when each of his daughters were born. Those who knew him well would experience Michael being ‘over the moon’ when it came to his four grandchildren. They made him smile and brought him so much joy. No matter the circumstances, he loved being with his family and friends, always wanting to make them happy. Michael began his career at what was then Western Electric in Sandy Springs. He worked for many years at that same location with his career taking him through the company’s transition to BellSouth, AT&T, and finally Lucent Technologies. Always a resourceful and hard worker, Michael was driven, moving up through the ranks, and he retired from Lucent after over 30 years of exemplary service. It is Michael’s many interests outside of his career that his friends and family will remember the most. He loved the art of making a deal like his father before him. Whether it was buying, selling, or bartering, the fulfillment was in the negotiation and the transaction itself. Today, we call that having an entrepreneurial spirit. As a young man, he enjoyed photography and fast cars. His interests expanded throughout his life, and some might say took on a life of their own. He loved exploring flea markets, attending an auction, admiring antiques, participating in car shows, and he frequently set up shop at annual Coca-Cola conventions. Later in life, the fast cars of his youth became the classic cars his grandchildren would learn about while talking shop with their Pop. Photography became digital, and auctions became a small business he could hand down to his children. The wheels of life will continue to turn, and his spirit will live on in those he loved. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Ancle Holbrook and Betty Guthrie Holbrook, along with brother, James Holbrook. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Jean Bates Holbrook and daughters Kimberley Castleberry and Alicia Holbrook of Canton, GA, sister Leisa Holbrook Chastain (Anthony) of Cumming, GA, grandchildren Kiersten Williams (Noah), Alexis, Ethan and Landon Castleberry, sisters-in-law Kay Holbrook and Ann Bates Price (Lee). Nieces, many wonderful cousins, friends and extended family also survive. Michael will be remembered for his tender and giving heart and his desire to help friends and family no matter the need or request. He will be missed so very much. The family will receive guests at Northside Chapel in Roswell, GA on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and again from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A celebration of life will be held at Liberty Grove Baptist Church, 17005 Birmingham Highway, Alpharetta, GA on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 2:00 PM. For those who wish to join the procession, friends and family are invited to drive your most “classic” car in honor of Michael’s love for the beauty, and the ride. The procession will depart Northside Chapel at 1:15 PM. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery. Northside Chapel in Roswell, GA is in charge of the services.

Michael Holbrook

February 2, 1949 - September 8, 2024