Grover Thomas Mcmichael

Grover Thomas McMichael of Sequim, Washington, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2023 at his home. He was 99. Grover was born June 4, 1923 in Gadsden, Alabama, to Robert Lee and Eva Mae (Ellis) McMichael. In 1942, Grover enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a Sonarman 3rd class PO aboard the USS Emmons. On June 6, 1944 (D-Day), Grover, along with thousands of other allied soldiers and seaman participated in the Invasion of Normandy at Omaha Beach, delivering fire support as a 20-Millimeter gunner aboard the USS Emmons. He would later become involved in the Battle of Cherbourg in France, shelling enemy fortifications near the city. On June 4, 2015, at a ceremony at the Georgia State Capitol, the French Consul General bestowed upon him the Légion d'Honneur Medal. This is the highest distinction France can confer on a citizen or a foreigner. Additionally, he received the WWII Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Stars. He married Glenna Miller of Napoleon, Kentucky, at Ten Mile Baptist Church on May 24, 1952. He lived and raised his family in Napoleon, retiring from B.F. Goodrich and Bob Sumerel Tire. In 1997, he and his wife moved to Newnan, Georgia to live near their daughter Nina and her family. In 2020 he settled in Sequim, Washington, to live with his daughter Lesa and son in-law John. Grover enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and shipmates. He was a big fan of University of Kentucky Basketball and enjoyed listening to all types of music. He especially enjoyed sharing his experience in WWII with the students of Newnan High School’s history class twice a year. A 33rd degree Mason, Grover was a member of the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Covington, KY, a member of VFW Post #2667 in Newnan, GA, a member of New Bethel Baptist Church in Verona, KY and the ROMEO Club of Newnan, GA. He leaves behind his daughters Lesa (John) Painter of Sequim, WA, Lori (George) Forshay of Wilmington, NC and Nina Watts of Newman, GA. He is also survived by his sister Virginia Oberschlake of Orange, CA and four grandchildren, Dr. Brittany Forshay, Scott Forshay, Chris Booth and Nick Watts. He was preceded in death by both parents; his wife Glenna (Miller) McMichael; brother John Lee McMichael and sister Carmen Kathleen Goeddel. Memorial contributions may be made in Grover’s memory to Newman High School History Department, Student-Vet Connect, Attn: Frank Henderson, 90 Thigpen Road, Newnan, GA 30263. A public visitation will take place Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Stanley Funeral Home-Verona, located at 14635 Walton-Verona Road in Verona, KY. A Graveside Service with full military honors will immediately follow at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Napoleon, KY.