Mr. Robert Michael "Mike" Britton, age 74, of Ellijay, Georgia passed away on September 18, 2023 at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on December 20, 1948 to the late William (Bill) Francis Britton and Sara Hood Britton.

Mike honorably served in the Navy from 1966-1969 on the USS Sterett, a frigid-type destroyer, manning the battle stations during the Vietnam conflict. He was also a member of DSDI, Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, through lineage with the signer, Josiah Bartlett.

Mike was a dedicated educator in the Fannin County School System for 35 years, from 1979 to 2004. In his early years, he was a teacher for both special needs students and gifted students. In his later years, he was a principal at elementary schools and middle schools for 14 years. While a principal at the elementary schools, Mike was affectionately known as "Papa Smurf" by his students. His last principal position was at Fannin County Middle School, in which he resided for 7 years.

He loved to travel and explore new places with his beloved wife. He designed and built his home on his wooded property, which he loved dearly. He had such a diverse repertoire of interests and skills, from reading philosophy to raising begonias and so much more, that he was often called a renaissance man by his friends in the community.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Scott Britton.

Mr. Britton is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Lee Reiter Britton; son, Michael Lee Britton; daughter and son-in-law, Karena Lynn Britton Shippee and Samuel Patrick Shippee; and grandchildren, Sierra Lorraine Shippee, Sophia Mae Shippee, and Britton Samuel Shippee.

A memorial service was conducted on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM from the Akins-Cobb Blue Ridge Chapel. Military honors were rendered by the North Georgia Honor Guard. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge, GA was in charge of these arrangements.