Mike Townsend

Mike Townsend, 78, of Valdosta died Monday, December 21, 2020 at Fellowship Home after a lengthy illness. He was born in Ventura, California on July 24, 1942, a son of the late Marcie Maness Russell and Rusty Russell and had lived in Valdosta for many years. He was a member of Sardis Baptist Church and veteran of the United States Air Force. Mike was a loving and genuine husband, father, Papa and great grandfather. He enjoyed studying his Bible and being outdoors. Mike was a retired Vocational Educational Instructor with Valdosta High School, Lowndes High School and Moultrie Technical Institute.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Shirley Dollar Townsend of Valdosta; his children, Sabra Abbott and Bruce Ranslow of Newberry, FL, Kami and Tim Borsellino of Marietta, GA, Paul and Maria Townsend of Valdosta; his grandchildren, Erin and Jay Blanton, Ethan Abbott and Windy Scott, Michelle Townsend and Tony Ray all of Valdosta, Erika Townsend of Duluth, GA, Kalee Townsend of Valdosta, Joshua Borsellino, Justin Borsellino both of Marietta, GA, Jaymar Torres of Pennsylvania; his great grandchildren, Juliette Navalta of Valdosta, Phoenix Abbott of Thomasville, GA, Jaylynn Torres of Destin, FL; sisters in law and brothers in law, Gwen Vance of Suwanee, GA, Beverly and Jerry Smith of Woodstock, GA, Martha and Stanley Luke of Valdosta, Claire Dollar of Valdosta. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marcie and Rusty Russell, Chester W. Townsend, a brother, Gary Blessing and brothers in law, Larry Dollar, John Vance and Bobby Dollar.
Memorial services will be held at 11am, Monday, January 4, 2021 in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home with Rev. Stanley officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday from 10am until service time at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home.