Michel Marcel Leveillard

Michel Marcel Léveillard passed away peacefully at his home in his home office, affectionately known as his "Bunker," on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at the age of 92 surrounded by his family. Michel was born in Rouen, France on January 7, 1933. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Patricia Ann Léveillard (Henkel). Michel is lovingly remembered by his children, Michael (Donna) Léveillard of Gay, GA, Monique Davis of Newnan, GA, and Marcelle (Benjie) Shoemake of Newnan, GA; his grandchildren, Chance (Alyson) Léveillard, Lauren (Tim) Fenner, Rachel Shoemake, Ava Shoemake, Elizabeth Davis, and Elise Davis; and his great-grandchildren, Blakely Léveillard, Sutton Léveillard, Addison Fenner, and Emory Fenner. Michel grew up in Rouen, in Normandy, France with his mother, Rachel Léveillard (Ollivier) and his father, Marcel Léveillard, enduring the bombing of Rouen during his preteen years. At age 20, he made his trans-Atlantic passage on the Queen Mary to pursue his dream of becoming an airline pilot in America. In 1963, his dream of becoming a pilot came true, and he began his 33-year career with Eastern Airlines where he met and married Patricia Ann Henkel, a flight attendant. As he advanced in his career, he also earned his nickname "Captain Mike" and became a self-taught equivalent of an aeronautical engineer proposing methods of flight for the Boeing 727 that yielded immense fuel conservation. After moving from Virginia to Georgia, the couple settled in Brooks, Georgia to raise their children. Michel enjoyed flying jets and enjoyed teaching others (over 1000 students) to fly in general aviation, including gliders and aerobatic training. A true historian, he assisted many with his shared experiences and stories during World War II as a youth for publications such as "From Rouen to Hiroshima" by Paul Le Trevier. His adventures have been captured in a biography "Cap'tain Mike: Les tribulations d'un pilote français mélomane en Amérique" by Jean-Noël Violette, with whom he shared his adventures on a platform called Aérostories. Beyond airplanes, WWII, and war planes, Michel's passion was culinary. He was renowned for his masterful French cuisine, barbecue, and smoked salmon. He will be deeply missed by his family. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at the Brooks Christian Church, 969 Highway 85 Connector, Brooks, GA 30205. Burial will follow in the Brooks Memorial Cemetery, 147 Price Road, Brooks, GA 30205. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the love, prayers, and support of family and friends, as well as the professional help from Brightmoor Hospice. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, 770-253-4580

Michel Marcel Leveillard

January 7, 1933 - June 15, 2025