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Michael “Mickey” McHargue, 82, of Lanett, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his long-time home on October 2, 2024. Reports indicate this was the only thing Mickey did peacefully in his entire life.

Mickey, also known as “Mouse”, was many things — dedicated husband, father, brother, and a spectacle on the golf course. He approached life the same way he approached simple home improvement tasks – he did it his way.

Displaying an early work ethic that would follow him throughout all areas of his life, Mick – an Eagle Scout – began his long-time career in textiles working summers and weekends at Fairfax Mill during high school at Valley. He continued to work in the mills while attending Gordon Military School in Barnesville prior to attending Auburn University. Mickey graduated from Auburn in 1966 with a B.S. in Textile Management and was named Shift Supervisor at Fairfax Mill the same year. After completing the management training program at Fairfax, Mickey rose through the ranks to become a manager of Riverdale Mill, and later on, Fairfax Mill – Manufacturing. He moved on to Kleen-Tex Industries in 1984, traveled the globe and left his impression on numerous continents, and eventually retired as Senior Vice President of Operations in 2003. (And boy, did he retire.) He left behind a career marked by numerous patents and countless colleagues and friends made along the way.

When he wasn’t rewatching every classic Western film in existence, Mickey took advantage of retirement by spending more time at his other home – the golf course. A lifelong passion that started with caddying for his father, Slim, each weekend at Riverside Country Club, golf was Mickey’s gift. He showed promise early – after he and his dad made clean sweeps of two flights in a tournament during Mick’s teenage years, Slim said, “Mickey hits about the longest ball I’ve ever seen. When his short game is right he’s hard to beat.” From there, his talent grew, along with his collection of trophies, clubs, bags, and other interesting…items…he’d bring home from the course. Ultimately, Mickey had an unbreakable love for golf (although the same couldn’t be said for a few clubs that received the blame for some poor shots), and he continued to be a tour-de-force well into his 70s.

Mickey was preceded in death by his parents, Lester “Slim” and Irene Tidwell McHargue, and his son, Cam McHargue. He is survived by his devoted – and patient – wife of 39 years, Terry McHargue, who was beside him through the end. He is also survived by his twin sister Mona (Tom) Ellington, brother Joe (Tammy) McHargue, sons Nicholas Snowden and Eric McHargue, granddaughter Mollie Snowden, grandson Joshua Snowden, and granddog Summitt. He also leaves behind many golf buddies who could share countless stories about their antics on the course, most of which wouldn’t be suitable for print. And, the family wishes to extend special thanks to Jim Cantrell, a long-time friend of Mick’s who continually checked on him and stopped by for visits.

Mickey lived his life on his own terms. And when it came to the English language, he was a modern-day Emily Dickinson. He worked tirelessly and loved quietly. He will be remembered for his quick wit, intellect, and unsolicited opinions. He wasn’t the type to tell you he loved you or was proud of you. He was the man, however, who was going to take care of his loved ones and defend them mercilessly. (But he was going to let you hear it if you messed up. For quite a while. Maybe forever.)

There will be no service or arrangements, per Mickey’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take care of those close to you, listen to “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” by Johnny Cash, and raise a little hell.

The family would also like to thank Compassus for the great care and support they have provided as well as Dr. Brandon Johnson and his team for their expertise.

We will miss Mouse dearly and daily, but we will carry him forward with us in our own ways. Mickey – or Dad, Bro, Mick, or Babe…whatever you called him – kept life interesting, and he’s left behind an irrefutable legacy.

Please visit Mickey’s Memorial Tribute page at ww.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for his family, to share a memory of Mickey, or to light a Remembrance Candle in his memory.

Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.