Jessie Michael "Mike" Baston

Mr. Jessie Michael “Mike” Baston, age 73, entered into rest on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at his residence on River Road in the Fortsonia Community of Elberton. Mike courageously fought cancer for four years, and his last days were spent surrounded by family and friends that he loved so dearly.

Affectionately known as “Big Mike”, he was born in Augusta on July 27, 1950, to Claude O’Neal Baston and Verna Grace “Bunny” Jennings Baston. The Bastons moved to Elberton when Mike was 6 and his dad accepted employment with McLanahan Crushed Stone. He grew up in Elberton where he graduated in 1968 from Elbert County High School, and married Victoria Ann Wilson the same year. Mike joined the Georgia Army National Guard where he served faithfully for six years. 

Anyone who knew Mike Baston knew that his passion was golf. He was fortunate enough to live his dream by working as a golf course superintendent at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Golf Course in St. Simons, and Coldstream Country Club in Irmo, SC. 

In 1981, Mike and Vickie, with sons Michael and Bobby in tow, moved back to Elberton to be closer to their family. Son David completed the family in 1983. He began working in the granite industry and did so for the remainder of his career, his last place of employment being along side his son at Baston Monuments, Inc. Mike still practiced his passion of golf, and devoted much of his time volunteering with the Elbert County High School Golf Team. This afforded him the opportunity to share his love of the sport, as well as the love of Jesus, with many young folks. 

As long as his health permitted, Mike was an active member of Fortsonia Baptist Church. He was a member of the church choir and often sang solos, was the teacher of the Mike Baston Adult II Sunday school class, and previously served as a deacon. 

Mike loved working and his sons and grandchildren brought him immense joy. He relished the many friends he made throughout the years, and made it a point to stay in contact with them - even those across the world, literally. Mike taught us all how to love life and live it to the fullest because he certainly did. 

He is survived by Vickie, his wife of 55 years; sons and their wives: Michael O’Neal Baston and Sarah House Baston, Bobby Lee Baston and Britley Mercer Baston, and David Paul Baston and Jodie Wilhite Baston, all of Elberton; grandchildren: Mallory Layne Baston and Matt Pulliam of Lawrenceville, Sydney Lee Baston of Elberton, Mason O’Neal Baston and Kiersten Worley Baston of Hartwell, Garrett Chase Baston and Cynthia Collins, Emmie Marie Baston, Kendall Victoria Baston, Willow Jane Baston, Tucker Paul Baston, Cody Allen James, and Cassidy Amelia James, all of Elberton; great-grandchild, Hadlee Reese Baston; mother-in-law, Bobbie Sue Kidd and Roy of Elberton; sister-in-law, Cindy Wilson Adams and Rusty of Elberton; very special friend, Brady Starrett; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by sister, Diane Baston Abernathy and her husband Terry.

The family is at the residence and will receive friends on Thursday, August 24, from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. 

Funeral services celebrating Mike’s life will be held on Friday, August 25, at 11:00a.m. at Fortsonia Baptist Church with the Rev. Bobby Baston and the Rev. Andrew Danals officiating. Mike will be placed in the church at 10:00a.m. The service will be livestreamed via the Forstonia Baptist Church facebook page.

Interment will follow in the Fortsonia Community Cemetery. Rev. Al Butler will officiate the graveside service and Mason Baston, Garrett Baston, Nicky James, Travis James, Rick Adams, Mark Adams, Brady Starrett, and Zack Caldwell are honored to serve as pallbearers. The Mike Baston Adult II Sunday school class will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to T.J. & Friends Foundation, PO Box 6161, Elberton, GA 30635. 

Mike leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and grace. May his memory be eternal. 

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com. 

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Jessie Michael “Mike” Baston.