Michael Collier Gough, 61, beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather was called to his eternal resting place on July 9, 2017. He entered this world on December 6, 1955 in Florence, AL, to Emmett and Lurline Gough.
Mike was the General Manager of the Morgan Energy Center in Decatur. He worked for Calpine for 16 years as a respected plant manager. He also worked for North American Energy Services and Tenaska at plants in Texas and Alabama. He spent 15 years in the Chemical Industry working at Diamond Shamrock and Occidental Chemical. Mike also proudly served on the Alabama Governor’s Commission for Existing Industries.
Mike graduated from Bradshaw High School as a celebrated state champion baseball athlete. Mike signed a full scholarship to the University of Alabama as a pitcher while earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
Mike was known to be a hard worker who loved doing yard work even after a full work day. He loved fast race cars, Alabama athletics, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Mike grew up in the Christian faith.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Connie Fay Thrasher Gough, his son David Michael Gough (wife Heather) of Athens, and daughter Kimberly Nicole Tannehill (husband Matt) of Madison. Mike had four grandchildren Laney Gough, Easton Gough, Darbey Gough, and Tucker Tannehill. Mike is also survived by his brother Emmett Gough, Jr. “Bud” (wife Anita) of Pinson Valley, sister Lynn Stark (husband Ted) of Madison, several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Mike also dearly cared for his Aunt Corrine Copeland of Florence.
Mike was involved in playing, coaching, spectating, and financially supporting local school sports for his entire life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to a local school’s athletic department, or a local youth sports agency. Mike also enjoyed financially helping local school’s robotics and STEM programs, particularly showing interest in Leon Sheffield Magnet Elementary in Decatur, AL. A donation to any of these programs would also honor his memory.
