Michael Lewis Garbutt

Michael Lewis Garbutt often told his friends and family, Every day is a blessing. For those who knew Michael, the times they spent with him were especially blessed.Michael loved people and welcomed them into his many circles of friends. He loved his family. He loved his partner, the late Eugene Abshier. And he loved the city of Atlanta, where he lived most of his adult life. Michael, 64, died of a heart attack June 28. Born Oct. 29, 1948, in Valdosta, the son of Harry Gilmore Garbutt Sr. and Laverne Lewis Garbutt, Michael was educated at Valdosta State and Georgia State universities. He served in the U.S. Army and fought heroically during the Vietnam War. Afterwards, he worked in state government for many years, primarily in the Department of Labor, until his retirement in 2004. A gourmet cook, Michael co-founded a dinner club that flourished for decades. He also frequently shared lunch or dinner with friends at local restaurants, including his most recent favorites, Twist, the Colonnade and Babette's. He volunteered regularly to cook and serve meals for the homeless. Michael read biographies and books on history voraciously. He rarely missed a chance to play bridge. And he relished every opportunity to travel. A Francophile, he felt at home on visits to Paris. One of his more memorable trips took him to Croatia and the Balkans, and he celebrated his 60th birthday with a journey to Rome and Tuscany. Closer to home, he loved New York City, where he enjoyed visiting art museums and attending the theater. A frequent swimming pool goer, he also looked forward to trips to various beaches. In recent weeks, he had returned from a stay at St. Simons Island with friends. Michael raised a series of French bulldogs and treated them all like children. His latest dog, Daisy, was by his side at his death. In addition to his partner and parents, Michael was pre-deceased by brothers Harry G. Garbutt, William Glenn Garbutt and Robert David Garbutt and brother-in-law, Dr. James S. Maughon. He is survived by his beloved sister, Frances Garbutt Maughon, and sister-in-law, Wanda Abshier Long and her husband, Ellis, nieces, nephews and many great nieces and nephews. A committed Christian and political liberal, Michael never attempted to impose his beliefs on anyone and embraced everyone he came into contact with. He made people feel special, and they embraced him back.


Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033