James Michael "Mike" Solomon

It is with heavy hearts that the wife and family of James Michael “Mike” Solomon announce his passing (and birthday) on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the age of 75. Mike was the son of the late Wilbert Solomon, Sr. and the late Maureen Peterson Solomon, born on September 18, 1950 at their home in Broxton, Georgia. He was one of seven children they raised during hard times, which included working turpentine in the woods, but were always provided for and loved. Mike went to Broxton and West Green Elementary Schools and graduated 12th grade from Broxton High School with the Class of 1969. Not many years after, Mike began his work Journey with Hercules, Inc. in Douglas, Georgia doing stumping and working hard on equipment, learning all he could. He was a respected forester who always pushed to do better and his determination and hard working ways paid off with a 47 year career at his retirement in 2023. Through his career, he knew farmers, land owners and timber owners all over South Georgia and parts of South Carolina. His job was to buy stumps from the owners and have crews remove them for production at the Brunswick Mill. He loved his work and befriended many farmers and land owners over the years. Along with all his travels over South Georgia, Mike enjoyed checking out all the farmers markets and finding the best vegetables grown here and always buying them to take home to freeze or can. His favorites were peas and canned tomatoes, reminding him of his Mama’s biscuits with rice and tomato gravy. The time he wasn’t working was spent with family and friends, and following his love for fishing. Mike Solomon could FISH, and keep the front of that boat in some of the best spots on the Ocmulgee and Satilla Rivers of South Georgia. Many of his friends would jump in their shoes and be ready to go when Mike called with a fishing trip in mind. He could also cook up that mess of fish, with “taters” and onions, making you glad he went. Besides frying fish, he loved to grill on the weekends for his family and sit by a fire or under a full moon with his 4 dogs, Lucy, Jack, Joe and Sam. They were happy he was grilling too because he always shared with them. Mike deeply loved his wife and family, especially those grand boys, and when he called you friend he loved you too. He was always there for his parents, to the end, and for his family and friends. He was truly a special, loving man, husband, papa, daddy, neighbor and friend that can’t be replaced. But oh what happy memories he has left for us all. Mike leaves behind to cherish those memories his loving and devoted wife of 27 years, Betty Dolph Smith Solomon of Douglas, Georgia; 2 step daughters: Caryn Shipes (Jason) of Homerville, Georgia, and Kacy Elaine Thurman of Douglas, Georgia; 2 grandsons: Christopher Daniel Shipes of Chesapeake, Virginia and Jace Solomon of Broxton, Georgia; 1 sister, Dayle Hollis (Wendell) of Brandon, Florida; 4 brothers: Wilbert Solomon, Jr. (Vivian) of Douglas, Georgia, Darryl Solomon of Broxton, Georgia, Randy Solomon of Nicholls, Georgia, and Ronnie Solomon (Janet) of Ambrose, Georgia; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of dear friends. Along with his parents, Mike was greeted in heaven by his daughter, Ashton Mikelle Solomon, and his sister, Betty Cole Smith. Mike’s family will receive friends on Saturday afternoon, September 20, 2025, beginning at 1:00 PM in the sanctuary of Covenant Church. A funeral service honoring Mike’s life will be held at 2:00 PM at Covenant Church with Rev. Gregory Pope and Jackie Pope officiating. Interment will follow in the Broxton City Cemetery. Active pallbearers will include Howard Young, Greg Hollis, Chad Solomon, Jason Cole, Jason Shipes, and Adam Solomon. Honorary pallbearers will include Gary Ward, Jerry Waldron, Wallace Newell, Tommy Greene, Bo Lott, and Louie Strom. Condolences, kind words and fond memories may be shared with Mike’s family at www.ricketsonfuneralhome.com. Mike’s arrangements have been entrusted to the kind and compassionate staff of Ricketson Funeral Home, Inc. of Douglas, Georgia.

James Michael "Mike" Solomon

September 18, 1950 - September 18, 2025