Michael Stephen Warren

The world is a sadder, darker place without the laughter and light of Michael (Mike) Warren. His life now serves as a template for others to see a life lived abundantly. Born in Sullivan County, to the late Raymond and Dorothy Warren, Mike’s life was molded by his sharply dressed father, loving mother and 4 siblings who were born to make a difference in the lives of others. Mike’s brother, Dickie (Coach) Warren was a bit of a local celebrity, one of Tennessee’s legendary high school basketball coaches. For Mike, basketball too was his own passion. Nimble as a cat and quick like a gazelle, his roundball prowess earned him a place on the Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett’s basketball team, and a college roundball career at Upstate University of South Carolina.

Another passion was protecting others through law enforcement. With a degree in Criminal Justice from East Tennessee State University, Mike began as a Sullivan County deputy. Then, as a security officer at Erwin’s Nuclear Fuel Services. His brilliant service would catapult his career to work with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the U.S. in Washington, DC.

In that role Mike learned to speak foreign languages and lead missions at the end of the Cold War that made him an ‘international man of mystery’ and a great protector of peace. Yet this impressive career pales in comparison to Mike’s proudest achievements as a husband, family benefactor and beloved friend to so many.

Kayla Shirley caught Mike’s eye because of her beauty and sharp wit that could match his own. Through courtship and marriage the couple stood for strong bonds with others lucky enough to know them and a shared passion for travel, adventure and embracing life.

Their love of family was epoch, serving both the Shirley/Lobb and Warren family members in getting ahead in the world and facing its challenges. That passion was shared with friends as Uncle Mike and Aunt Kayla were benefactors to friends and their children who love both of them dearly.

Mike shared his love of travel by coaxing friends to join him on adventures around the world. From those trips and his storied career and life with Kayla, Mike evolved into an extraordinary storyteller. Stories of flying on failing helicopters, to mountaintops to eat goat and drink with ragtag international soldiers to earn their trust, to trips to dachas for Finnish spa treatments, or he and Kayla zip lining in Costa Rica, Mike always had one more story to share.

Upon Mike’s retirement he lured Kayla to leave her important role at ADP to enjoy life’s best years together. His original cocktail concoctions, each named for the ‘drink of the day’, sparked smiles and leisurely floats in his pool - and sometimes flips by Mike showing that he was still nimble as a cat even into his 60s. Together, the one, two punch of a fun life spent with family and friends made Mike and Kayla an unstoppable force. Then at the peak of retired life, tragedy happened with Mike’s diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia.

Mike’s heroic journey through the incurable disease and Kayla’s loving care is legendary. Sadly, the battle ended with Mike still expressing his love for Kayla, his friends and family and life itself. While we will miss Mike immeasurably we take peace and comfort in knowing he is now strolling along the streets of heaven catching up with those gone before him.

Mike was preceded in passing by brother Richard (Coach) Warren, brother Al Warren, sister Judy (Gene) Fox and nephew Jeff Warren.

Now mourning his passing are his wife, Kayla Shirley Warren, sister-in-law Harriett Warren, sister Mary (Roger)Smith, brother-in-law Michael Shirley, sister-in-law Tywanna (Bruce) Childress, so many special and beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, too abundant to list here. And also long time and loved friends near and far that are family to Mike & Kayla.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to remember Mike can donate to Tunnel To Towers (t2t.org).