Michael Dennis Meuse

Michael Dennis Meuse, age 81, passed away peacefully with his dogs by his side on January 9th at his home in Cleveland, Georgia.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Mike lived a life defined by service, dedication, and deep love for family and community. While attending the University of Notre Dame, he enlisted during the Vietnam era and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. After his military service, he returned to Notre Dame to complete his education and went on to build a successful career spanning more than 40 years in the waste management industry.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Rita Meuse; his stepmother, Betty Meuse; his sister, Jeanette Drake; and his brother, Tom Meuse.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Marti; his children, Ken (April), Brian (Patricia), Justin (Leslie), Jessica (Mike), Chris (Rachael), and Wendi; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three sisters; and many extended family members and friends far and wide.

Mike had a lifelong love of reading and gardening, and he held a special place in his heart for his dogs. Mike also had a deep love for the water and spent years at the helm of the family sailboat, navigating Lake Erie, the Caribbean, and—as he would, of recent, clarify—the Gulf of Mexico. A lifelong traveler, his work and curiosity carried him across the world, including years living in Malaysia, Venezuela, Argentina, and Mexico. But he appreciated life’s simple pleasures as much as its adventures, never turning down a good sipping tequila. Later in life, he found joy closer to home, camping in the hills of Georgia and occasionally setting off on cross-country journeys in the camper with his wife, Marti.

In retirement, he discovered a passion for baking and cooking, delighting family and friends with his creations. After many years of playing tennis, he found new joy in pickleball—immersing himself fully by playing, teaching, and becoming deeply involved in the pickleball community. This passion led him to serve as a youth mentor with the White County Family Connection mentor program, a role he found especially meaningful.

He will be remembered for his wit, sharp sense of humor, unwavering loyalty, and steadfast dedication to those he loved. Mike’s presence, guidance, and laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on January 17th @ 2:30pm at the White County Yonah Preserve Complex (675 Mt. Yonah Drive Cleveland, GA). In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Mike’s honor to the following organizations – both of which gave him great purpose.

White County Family Connection

https://tinyurl.com/mikemeuse

Mail/Drop Off Checks to:

White County Board of Education

136 Warriors Path

Cleveland, GA 30528

Yonah Mtn Pickleball Club

http://www.yonahmountainpickleball.org/mike-meuse

P.O. Box 174

Cleveland, GA 30571

To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com

Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland | (706) 865-3101