Michael Bollendorf

Michael Ford Bollendorf, 79, of Saulsbury, departed this life Thursday, August 15, 2024, at his daughter's home in Adams, Tennessee.

He was born on October 7, 1944, in San Diego, CA, to the late Gene Doris Hickethier McNary and Frederico Hector Alfaro Rodriguez. Adopted at a young age by the late Paul Bollendorf, Mike was the oldest of Gene’s five children. His siblings often spoke of his strength, independence, and protective nature. From a young age, it was evident that Mike had strong principles and a sense of caring for loved ones. 

Mike enjoyed spending as much time as possible outdoors. He also excelled as an athlete. Most of his childhood through college years focused heavily on football and organized sports in Alameda, CA, then at Frayser High School in Memphis, TN, and Southwestern College in Chula Vista, CA.

He married Marilynn Gail Black on August 17, 1968, in Memphis, TN. In 1974, they established their home in Saulsbury, TN, where they raised their family. Mike worked as a millwright at Quaker Oats Chemical Company in Memphis, TN, from 1971 until his retirement in 2009. All the while, his true work was done on the family farm just south of Saulsbury. 

He spent a great deal of time out on the tractor maintaining the property’s trails and forest. With his love for storytelling, creative approaches to problem solving, and welding expertise, friends and neighbors would visit him when he was not working in Memphis. He often helped them with projects such as repairing or rebuilding equipment and machinery. Mike’s industrious spirit, sense of community, and commitment to doing things right were part of what made him a best friend to many. He proudly lived life on his own terms and timeline. 

Mike was a strong role model for his three kids, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His work ethic was unmatched, and he instilled in his family the importance of perseverance, the value of education, and the sense of pride that comes from a job well done.

Michael was preceded in death by his wife, Marilynn and his brother, Patrick Bollendorf. He is survived by his three children, Keith N. Bollendorf of Guntersville, AL, Nicole Gatewood (Kent) of Cabot, AR, and Melissa Taylor (Nathan) of Adams, TN; four grandchildren, Danielle Johns (Marshall), Joshua Hall, Megan Taylor, and Nikolas Taylor; three great-grandchildren, MacKenzie, Haden and Parker Johns; Also, his sisters, Paula Stanley and Ann Monroe (John) and brother, Steven McNary (Sharon). 

Memorial services will be on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Shackelford Funeral Directors Middleton Chapel. There will be a visitation from 10 am - noon, with a service immediately following. The burial will be in Saulsbury Cemetery at a later date. 

Memorial contributions in his name may be sent to the Saulsbury Cemetary, C/O Jim Daniel 6305 Hwy 57, Saulsbury, TN 38067).