(ALEXANDRIA, TN) This past Sunday (12/3/2023) our community lost a caring friend and giver of hope. 55-year old Mike Gann quietly died at his home in Alexandria, TN. The McMinnville Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.  To see the complete obituary. CLICK HERE.  

Mike was diagnosed in 1997 as having Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease as well as Fatal Familial Insomnia (CJD/FFI). Physicians say the life expectancy is 7 to 73 months. He not only survived for another 26-years, but served and encouraged others during that time.

Mike was a regular guest on WGNS, and many times he said that his favorite song was “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. Despite his own health challenges, he would say “God sustains me and gives me strength”.

Mike was dedicated to helping the residents at Stones River Manor. Many times, he exclaimed “every day is an opportunity to serve”. And he did that at the Manor for 30-years.

 to hear a WGNS broadcast with Mike on Feb. 27, 2013.

He was equally passionate about finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, for the past 25-years Mike was one of Tennessee’s top fund raisers for the Alzheimer’s Association. That earned him another proud moniker— “The Carrot Cake Man”.  He had a talent for making carrot cakes, and would give his home-baked treats to persons who supported this cause.   

Some say that Alzheimer’s is the disease that creates a “forever goodbye”. However, Mike wanted to find a cure so that future generations wouldn’t have to worry about their loved ones facing the loss of those happy memories that are unfortunately lost with this disease.

Family Request

Please wear colorful clothing to reflect the joy he brought to your life!

In lieu of flowers, donations to honor Mike’s memory are encouraged to: Murfreesboro Alzheimer’s Association, Gassaway Church of Christ, the Stones River Manor Benevolence Fund, Sugar Tree Knob Church of Christ, Gentiva Hospice in McMinnville whose Nurse Bobbie Sue provided wonderful care for him, Dibrell Elementary PTO Cats for a Cure Relay for Life Team, CJDFoundation.org, or your favorite charity.

McMinnville Funeral Home
117 Underwood Rd.
McMinnville TN

• Friday (12/8/2023) 10AM-8PM
• Saturday (12/9/2023) 9AM-1PM
• Celebration of Mike’s Life Saturday 1PM
• Burial follows at Gardens of Memory in Smartt, TN