Michael Whitacre
Dec. 21, 1955 - March 1, 2015
White, GA
Michael Kenneth Whitacre, 59, died on March 1st, 2015 at his home in White, GA.
Mike was born on December 21st, 1955 in Alameda, CA to Melvin and Barbara "Bobbie" Whitacre. He graduated from Pacific High School in 1974 and soon after went to work as a guitar tech for Eddie Money. He also worked as a truck driver and most recently worked as a line engineer at Anheuser-Busch in Cartersville, GA. He was the lead singer of the Lucas Michael's Band for many years playing all around the Bay Area. He was an incredible musician and singer. Performing was his passion.
In his most recent years, he loved restoring old guitars, watching Nascar racing, and he found a love for watching the weather. His best times were spent with his adoring wife, children and grandchildren. He had a fantastic sense of humor and cared deeply for those around him.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Darvi Whitacre, his mother, Barbara "Bobbie" Whitacre, his brother, Rick Whitacre, his daughter, Sara Whitacre and his step-sons, Adam, Kenny and John Billot.
Published in Inside Bay Area on Mar. 5, 2015
Marla Fry (Evans) (1974)
I am so sorry to hear Mike. He was such a great guy growing up in Bonaire. I was lucky enough to have him as a boyfriend for one day and boy was that the best day. All the girls in Bonaire wanted him as a boyfriend when we were at James Madison. It was the happist day when I heard the Darvi and Mike found each other after so many years apart. They were always ment to be together. They were in Love when they were young and were in love when apart and god let them find each other again. So with that my heart bleeds for Darvi and my prayers for out to the family. I am here for anyone who needs me. RIP Mike. I love you Marla Fry
Linda Ferreira (1974)
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Mike. Along with Marla; Darvi, Mike and I went all the way through school together. I can so clearly remember his beautiful smile and for some reason, right now I can see him in our kindergarden picture-he had a buzz cut. One day in kindergarten Mike and I got in trouble because at nap time we layed on the same mat. We had nick names for eachother- he was cool cat and I was foxy (don't ask me where that came from -we were 6!) As we grew up, we'd occasionally remember it and we'd just laugh. Mike was such a nice guy and even when we were young he clearly had talent. We spent a good bit of time together in grade school and at Muir, not all of it doing what we "should have been doing" but Mike always kept a level head. When we were young, Mike Nigro, Bill Wait, Jeff Limpo, Mike and I all used to steal our mothers cigarettes and meet behind Bayside or at Bonaire park-we thought we were so cool. Darvi and I were the D & F (last name ) and always were side by side during our Madison class field trips and school line ups. Mike was of course in the back. As we do when we grow up and get busy and move on, it is so easy to lose track of people but hearing of Mikes passing brings a cascade of memories about a very down to earth, sweet kid who was always so handsome and never let it go to his head. My condolences and deepest sympathy to Darvi, and their family and Mikes mom. With bitter sweet memories of a really great guy. Rest in Peace Mike.
Greg Denton (1974)
I remember back when we were in school and Mike used to wear red tennis shoes with a pair of nice pants. For those times I used to think it was odd but he was so cool that instead of people thinking it was a little off, it only made them more interested in him. He had a magnetic personality that drew people from all walks of life to him.
He had a calming voice so it would be easy to mistake him as a pushover, but you need not discount his calm demeanor for weakness. He could read your mood and take a laid back approach to a conversation, or probe your mind with engaging talk that metaphorically resembled the arcs that creep off Tesla coils searching for new ground to cover. Be rude around him at your own peril, or he might turn you into the only person in the room that was oblivious to the fact that you were standing on scorched earth.
He had a love of music and was an accomplished guitarist. At a young age he had all the popular music from bands that had artists like Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck… Later on he introduced us to more obscure artists like Be Bop Deluxe and the Stone Coyotes, and tons of others that are too numerous to list here. Many of us from the San Leandro Bonaire district owe a debt of gratitude to our love for music from Mike.
People loved it when Mike showed up at a party, hell when you think about it a lot of times he was the party. The real testament to his personality was that he transcended cliques and attracted people with many different tastes from everywhere he went.
I would like to think that when my time comes I can look Mike up, and sit down for another conversation. I know he will make it worth the trip, but of course I will have to stand in line.
With a heavy heart, I send my condolences to his family and wish them all well, as they go through this difficult time.