Calvin Michael “Mike” Puckett of Gray, GA, died Monday, June 3, 2024, at the age of 75.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn Puckett, sister Betty Dianne Puckett, children Christa McMillian (John), Chris Puckett (Kerry), Justin Tyler (Bri), Jason Tyler (Jessica), Jamie Couch (Ross), Chandler Puckett, and Caitlyn Puckett, as well as 17 grandchildren: John McMillian (Cheyenne), Jake McMillian (Carson), Josh McMillian (Carin), Micah Puckett, Campbell Puckett, Hagan Lane Tyler, Ellie McMillian, Joe McMillian, Amelia Tyler, Ariel Tyler, Garrett Tyler, Jaiden Minatee, Korey Head, Karter Head, Grady Tyler, Henry Loyd Couch, and Windell Robert Couch. He was preceded in death by his mother Betty Sue Lloyd Puckett and his father Calvin Monroe Puckett.
Over the last 50+ years, Mike wore many hats in the Milledgeville, Gray, and Eatonton communities, most notably as Big Mike, serving as head of security and general manager at Cowboy Bills, with a tenure of 30 years. Anyone who visited Cowboy Bills knew and loved the man in the black jacket and cowboy hat who was always close by for any situation. When the family traveled on trips and vacations many would recognize the familiar face then the mention of that infamous Black Jacket and Cowboy Hat would trigger the response “Big Mike, Cowboy Bills, Milledgeville GA”. Noted for his fairness in handling situations that would arise and for his compassionate nature he was loved and respected by all.
Mike was born on June 8, 1948, to Calvin and Betty Sue Puckett. He was a 1966 graduate of Georgia Military College Prep High School in Milledgeville, GA, where he was a standout athlete in football and baseball, earning a scholarship to play football collegiately at the University of Tennessee- Chattanooga in Chattanooga, TN. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a Minor in History from Georgia College in Milledgeville.
After college, Mike “Coach” Puckett taught and/or coached at GMC Prep and the Gatewood School, winning multiple state championships as a football and baseball coach while molding young people into productive citizens through education and athletics.
Mike also spent several years working for the Department of Corrections, C&H Housing, and Little Fishing Creek Golf Course. He was truly a staple of the local communities.
Services for Calvin Mike Puckett were held Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11 AM at Williams Funeral Home, 1670 N. Jefferson Street, Milledgeville. Visitation was Thursday night from 5 PM to 7 PM, also at Williams Funeral Home.
The family accepted drop-in visitors at 656 Luke Smith Road in Gray on Wednesday night starting at 5 PM.
Express online condolences at www. williamsfuneral.net Williams Funeral Home of Milledgeville