Michael Bryan Stephenson

Michael Bryan Stephenson, 62, of Atlanta, GA, passed away on February 9, 2025. He was born on September 25, 1962, in Charleston, SC, and was the son of the late Bryan Stephenson, who passed away nine months prior. In addition to his father, Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Killaby Stephenson, and his brother, Robert James Stephenson.

He is survived by his sister, Mara Ashley Stephenson, and her husband, Christopher Ryan Simmons, as well as his stepmother, Carol Stephenson.

As the son of an Air Force veteran, Michael called many places home, from Charleston, Indianapolis, and Richmond, to Rochester, Plano, and Atlanta. However, he spent the majority of his adult life in the Atlanta metro area.

To those who knew him, Michael—“Mike” to most—was a dedicated sports fan. In high school, he played on the football team and wrestled competitively in the off-season. His love for sports carried into adulthood, where he became a die-hard Notre Dame and Dallas Cowboys fan, rarely missing a game. His ability to recall sports statistics was incredible—on a dime, he could name the receiver who scored the winning touchdown pass in the 1978 Super Bowl. His sharp memory for scores and stats would have made him an asset to any trivia team, but more notably, it served him well in his career.

Mike spent much of his professional life in the beverage and hospitality industry, where he worked as a bartender. He loved mixing drinks, swapping stories, and meeting people from all walks of life. It was his passion and he had the time of his life serving the public during the heyday of Atlanta’s vibrant nightclub scene.

Mike will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. He faced many challenges throughout his 62 years but remained resilient, hardworking, and dedicated to his family. Though he never married or had children, he was a devoted brother and son, always remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and never missing a family gathering.

A graveside service will be held at St. Peter and St. Paul Episcopal Church (1795 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30062) on February 18, 2025, at 3:00 PM in the Cremation Garden behind the main church. A gathering with refreshments will follow indoors.