Michael Moumousis was born Aug. 4, 1950, in Neptune, N.J., to Spero Michael Moumousis and Elizabeth Riley Moumousis, who both preceded him in death. He passed away at 68 years young Thursday, March 28, 2019, at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Ga.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Diane; two daughters, Ashley Belvin (Brad) and Kasey Williamson; sister, Dawn McDermott; brother, Alex Moumousis (Stacey); and niece, Nicolle Lanahan (Matthew and son Joey).
Michael grew up in Spring Lake, N.J., playing football on the award-winning team at Manasquan High School. This opened the door for him to attend Murray State University on a football scholarship, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business.
His career took him to Manhattan and Chicago, where he was an executive for Budget Rent-a-Car which lead to a career with Cox Enterprises in Atlanta, Ga. He spent 20 wonderful years there and retired as vice president of national accounts for their Manheim Auctions Division in 2008.
Michael was active in working with the Special Olympics in Atlanta, playing in many Pro-Am golf charity events around the United States and loved traveling the world. He especially enjoyed exploring Greece, the country where his father was born.
Michael was raised Greek Orthodox but found his church home in Murphy at Little Brasstown Baptist Church.
After retirement, Michael took the lead establishing the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Cultural Center at the Murphy library which he was so proud of. The Sacred Mound Ceremony at Snowbird with the Eastern Band of the Cherokees was a favorite event each spring that Michael enjoyed. He loved spending time on “his mountain,” western cowboy movies, the family Labrador, Via, and country musician George Strait.
A memorial service honoring Michael will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at Little Brasstown Baptist Church in Brasstown.
Michael supported three local charities he loved, so in lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to one of these three wonderful organizations: Little Brasstown Christmas Love/Community Service Projects (supports seniors, lower income families at Christmas, jail ministry, etc., in our community (LBBC – Little Brasstown Baptist Church, 6120 Harshaw Road, Brasstown, NC 28902); The Hulburt-Johnson Friendship House, 73 Blumenthal St., Murphy, NC 28906 – (local homeless shelter) and Friends of the Murphy Library, 11 Blumenthal St., Murphy, NC 28906.
You may send tributes the Moumousis family at www.townson-rose.com.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.