Michael Joseph Parella 75, of Macon, died Monday, February 8, 2021 after an extended illness.  He was born in Macon, June 10, 1945 to the late Sara Truesdel Parella and Joseph John Parella.  He graduated in 1963 from Lanier High School and received a BA degree from Mercer University.

After moving to Atlanta, Michael earned a Master of Divinity Degree from Emory University School of Theology. He was employed as activities director at the Methodist Children's Home and later was a sales manager for Rich's Department Store.  He returned to Macon in 2006 to care for his aging parents. A lifelong episcopalian, Michael was active at St. Francis Episcopal Church. He considered the members of St. Francis to be a beloved part of his extended family. His surviving cousins will always be grateful for the kindness and faithful love and support shown to him over the years by Father Ben Wells and everyone associated with St. Francis. Michael's final wish was to donate the entirety of his estate to St. Francis upon his passing.

Michael remained friends with many of his childhood companions and Lanier classmates. In 2013, with the help of his good friend Lee Johnson, Michael founded the Lanier Lunch Club, consisting of Lanier High School alumni. The Club, which meets twice a month at Jeanine's at Pinebrook for lunch and fellowship, now boasts a mailing list of over 450 members across the country.

He is survived by first cousins, Helen Ann Truesdel Hunt and Cindy Truesdel Mitchell of Macon, and Dave Truesdel and Beth Truesdel Baer of Atlanta.   Service information will be announced soon Michael's family and friends will remember him fondly as a kind man with a brilliant, philosophical mind and a generous loving spirit. He will rejoice in going home to his Heavenly Father.

Donations may be made to St. Frances Church, 432 Forest Hill Road, Macon 31210 or to Wesleyan College International Scholarship Fund, c/o Whitney Davis,Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road, Macon, 31210.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.

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