Michael Ray Carnathan

Evans Funeral Home of Jefferson announces the death of Mr. Michael Ray “Mike” Carnathan, age 70, of Winder, Georgia who entered rest Monday January 29, 2024. Mr. Carnathan was born in Chicago, Illinois the son of the late Willie and Onie Banks Carnathan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded by two brothers, Wayne Carnathan and Kenneth Carnathan.

Mike Carnathan was too many things and held too many accomplishments to be boiled down into an obituary, but this is an attempt at just that.  He was the first in his family to graduate from college, and earned advanced degrees from Brenau University and the University of Georgia.  He was a man of strong, sincere faith and enjoyed playing the organ and piano during his many years at Galilee Christian Church.  Mike has served Galilee as a deacon and a member of the board of elders.  His copious talents included his ability to create beautiful pieces of stained glass, and he enjoyed improving his golf game weekly, finally getting that hole in one.  Mike treasured his family: his wife Julianna, his daughter Kelly, his son Ben, and his grandchildren Simon, Xaris, Rowan and Eliza. He served Barrow County Schools in many capacities, culminating in his role as principal of Yargo Elementary school, where he gave children’s education a light in the darkness. We will all miss his outgoing and comedic personality.  Thank you, Mike, for making us laugh.  Behave yourself up there, you prankster.

Survivors include his wife, Julianna P. Carnathan of Winder, GA. Daughter, Kelly Padilla (Emanuel) of Chicago, Ill. Son, Ben Carnathan of Statham, GA. Four grandchildren, Simon, Xaris and Rowan Carnathan all of Statham, GA and Eliza Padilla of Chicago, Ill.

Funeral services will be held 11 A.M. Thursday February 1, 2024 at Galilee Christian Church with Pastor Nick Vipperman officiating with interment to follow in the church cemetery. Gentlemen honored to be pallbearers are Ron Saunders, Rich Lindauer, David Baker, Ed Trainer, Kevin Ehl, Robert Baker, Doug Mize, William Rosse and Jack Donley. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 P.M. until 8 P.M. at Evans Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to, Galilee Christian Church Buliding Fund 2191 Galilee Church Road, Jefferson, GA 30549.

Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia.  706-367-5467      

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com