Michael Benjamin Mann

Born: September 2, 1943 (Kissimmee, Florida)

Died: February 14, 2021 (Jacksonville, Alabama)

Rev. Dr. Michael B. Mann is preceded in death by his father Clifford Mann, his mother Thelma Mann, his middle son Aaron Matthew Mann, his nephew Jason Mann, and his older brother John "Rusty" Partin.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 56 years Julia (Judy) Kirkpatrick Mann; sons Michael Benjamin Mann II (Holly) and Brian Christopher Mann (Jennifer); grandchildren Peyton Mann, Erin Mann, Zeke Curvin, Zeb Curvin, and Zalie Curvin; brother Patrick Mann and his wife Lee Ann Mann; sister-in-law Barbara Partin; and nephews John Mann and Jacob Mann.

Rev. Dr. Mann was a 1961 graduate of Bay High School, Panama City, Florida.  A lifetime learner, he was the recipient of numerous degrees including a Bachelor of Arts from Florida State University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida, a Master of Theology from the Asbury Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from the Louisville Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry from the Columbia Theological Seminary.

Rev. Dr. Mann bravely volunteered and served on active duty in the US Army from 1967 to 1969 as a military intelligence officer.  He served a combat tour of duty in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Staff Service Honor Medal.

Rev. Dr. Mann navigated several professions during his work life.  From the early 1970s until 1985, he practiced law in Panama City, Florida.  Following the death of his son Aaron, he was called to ministry.

Although raised Methodist, Rev. Dr. Mann served many congregations as a Presbyterian Church U.S.A. minister.  He served the Lothair Community Presbyterian Church (Hazard, KY), Vicco Presbyterian Church (Vicco, KY), Trinity Presbyterian Church (Gadsden, AL), and the John Calvin Presbyterian Church (Metairie, LA).  He served as the Interim Executive for the Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery (Wheeling, WV), then as the Interim General Presbyter for the Presbytery of South Louisiana (Baton Rouge, LA).  He then served the Stockton Presbyterian Church (Stockton, AL) and Cottage Hill Church (Stockton, AL). He served as pastor until his retirement in 2010.

Rev. Dr. Mann loved the Lord and his wife Judy. He was a loving father, counselor, and an ambitious storyteller with a great imagination. He was an extremely proud father and grandfather. He cherished his sons and grandchildren.  He supported everything Florida State University (FSU) and enjoyed coaching youth baseball, fishing, golfing, reading, and studying his Bible. Dr. Mann never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with any and everyone.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like family and friends to donate to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or via their website at www.stjude.org.  A graveside memorial service will be held Friday, March 26, 2021, 10 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery, Panama City, Florida.