Michael Edward Golightly, Sr., age 78, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2026, at his home. Mike was born on January 12, 1948, to Carl Edward Golightly and Dorothy Nell (McCloud) Golightly in Paducah, Kentucky. He graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School in 1966. He received an Associate Degree from Paducah Community College. Mike married the love of his life, Julie Marie LeNeave, in July of 1969. Mike had a 40-year career with WestVaco Paper Mill, ending his career as Supervisor over Quality Control.
As a young man, Mike enjoyed baseball and hunting. He played drums for several local bands through his later teenage years. His favorite music group was the Beatles.
Mike proudly raised 2 boys, Mike Jr. and Chris, who also shared the love of sports and hunting. Mike Sr. never missed their sporting events for Lone Oak Baseball and Basketball. In sports, Mike Sr. did have one disagreement with his sons; he was a Louisville Cardinal fan, and they root for the University of Kentucky.
Mike was blessed with two grandchildren, Alec and Ansley, and they were his pride and joy. Alec shared his love of baseball, hunting, and playing drums. Ansley tried softball but moved to volleyball. Mike Sr. loved being present for them.
Survivors include two sons, Mike Golightly Jr. and wife, Michele, and Christopher “Chris” Golightly, all of Paducah; two grandchildren, Alec Golightly of Paducah and Ansley Holland and husband Will, of Harrisburg, Illinois; two brothers, Wayne Golightly and wife, Sherry, Jeff Golightly and wife, Susan, all of Paducah, Kentucky; one sister, Sara Catherine Golightly of Paducah and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding in death were his wife, Julie Golightly, and his parents.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 5, 2026, starting at 11:00 a.m. with a short service at 1:00 p.m. at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah, with Sherry Golightly officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Kenton Cemetery, in Paducah, Kentucky.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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