Michael W. Clarkson

Michael W. Clarkson passed away on Saturday, June 25 after a valiant two-year battle with cancer.

He attended the International School in Brussels, Belgium and St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Boca Rotan, Fla. He was a 1982 graduate of Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Fla.

He had a 20-year career as an executive of cellular phone companies starting at McCaw Cellular One Phone company in Seattle, Wash. and most recently with AT&T Wireless in Atlanta. He had a lifelong love of animals, most recently adopting a new love named Sebastian Vladimir, a Chiweenie.

He is survived by his parents Larry and Barbara Clarkson of Marietta, Ga.; his partner of 30 years, Larry Birchell of Kennesaw, Ga.; his sister Elizabeth Snipes of Columbus, Ga.; his sister Jennifer Soster of Greencastle; his brothers-in-law Mr. William Snipes Esq. and Dr. Fred Soster; his partner's mother Mary Birchell of Tom's River, N.J.; Mr. Birchell's sisters Karen McCall, Susan Huntington and Barbara Miller; five nieces and five nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society or the ASPCA in Michael's name. Calling hours are 4-7 p.m. at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home, 180 Church St., Marietta, GA, 30060, on Monday, June 27. A celebration of his life will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 161 Church St., Marietta, GA, 30060 at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28.