Michael Packer, Sr.

Michael Paul Packer, Sr. (“Mike”), a long-time resident of Faulkville, GA and more recently of Charleston, SC, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 26, 2026. Born April 30,1946 in Rockland County, NY, Mike was raised in Nyack, NY and attended Nyack High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Specialist E-5, and served three years, including one tour in the Vietnam War. As part of the 1st Calvary Division’s 15th Transportation Battalion (B-Company) Mike provided aircover, aircraft maintenance, and transportation support for forward operations. After returning home, his US Army Reserve duties positioned him at Ft. Stewart, GA, where he later established nearby roots. Mike went on to work for Georgia Port Authority in Savannah, GA for 30+ years.

Mike was preceded in death by his first wife of 32 years, Sheryl Lynn McElveen Packer; his parents John Elmer and Anna Barbara Andresk Packer; his in-laws William Carlous and Ruth Lucille McBurney McElveen; his sister-in-law- MaryAnn Packer; his son-in-law Tracey Len Girardeau; his granddaughter Erin Ann Girardeau; his cousin Robert Stoughton; his niece Adrienne Packer; and his nephew Nicholas Gioia.

He is survived by his wife Linda McElveen Sweet Packer; his siblings John Packer, Lynn (Rosemary) Packer, Lydia Packer and Paul (Karla) Packer; his children Krista Packer Girardeau, Michael Packer Jr. (Kim), Holly Packer Ketchup (George); his step-children Christine Sweet Beck (William), Thomas Sweet, and William Van Dyke; his grandchildren Emily Thompson (Nick), Keziah, Kaziah, Keira and Ashton Ketchup, Aurelia, Mena and Oliver Beck, Tanner and Quintin Sweet, Breona Van Dyke; his great-grandson Waylon Thompson; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mike enjoyed “junking” at yard-sales, playing cards and games, and catching up on the phone with family, friends, and former co-workers. He cherished time with his family and adored his grandchildren and great-grand child. On fall weekends, he could always be found cheering for his beloved Georgia Bulldogs and NY Giants football teams. His witty humor, warm and persistent smile, and loving spirit will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, July 03, 2026, at the Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, West Chatham Chapel in Pooler, GA. A funeral service will follow at 1:00pm in the chapel of the funeral home. Interment will take place at Gravel Hill Cemetery in Bloomingdale, GA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fisher House Foundation at https://fisherhouse.org.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL – 901 West Highway 80 – Pooler, Georgia (912) 748-2444