For those that knew him and the world at large, one of the great men of our time is gone. Michael Tipton Sullivan passed away in his home  September 20, 2022 at the age of 73. He leaves behind his wife, Sally Sullivan, and three children:  Daniel Sullivan, Michael Harrison, and Patrick Sullivan.

Michael was born to Ivan Shaw Sullivan and Laura Louise Tipton in Tiptonville, TN on April 10, 1949. He wanted to be a doctor early in his life, but life had greater plans for him. He excelled in math and science, going to Emory University for his undergraduate and Michigan for his master's degree, all leading to a life in radiological physics.

He worked at nuclear reactors and nuclear testing sites for most of his adult life. His knowledge and expertise lead to the safety of millions of people who rely on nuclear power all around the United States.

Mike's life was much more that work though. He loved his family dearly, and planning for their well being was one of his passions. He would spend hours pouring over economic articles, watching stock reports on TV, and speaking with his financial advisor. When Mike wasn't looking into the future, he enjoyed a good vodka soda while sitting on his porch watching Lake Chickamauga roll past. He did this often while sitting with family and friends discussing how to save the world, life, love, and the universe.

Mike had a wild array of skills. He was an excellent auto mechanic. His 1967 Austin Healy Mach 3 constantly needed his tinkering. Yet somehow something was always broken on it, plus it needed obscure tools only the British knew about. He could locate Ruby Red even in the darkest of times. When he needed to prove that "Old age and cunning will always best youth and skill" he would take his son, Daniel, out to shoot pool. He could make a mean bloody mary, fiery enough to curl your toes. Speaking of toes, he crushed his when a dirt bike fell on his foot, but still took Daniel and Patrick out to ride the dirt bikes in the desert. He was an expert deviled egg thief. When no one was looking he would inhale one, or in plain sight of everyone at Thanksgiving Dinner. He usually had a good joke or quip with perfect timing. And when you were confused about how to proceed in life, his advice was unparalleled.

He was a man that lived and lived well. Mike hated the cold. Even when he lived in Las Vegas he would tan floating in the hot tub because the pool was too cold in the 100-degree heat. However, when he lived in Colorado he would take the family snow skiing in Sunlight, Aspen, and Vale. Mike went on safari while living in South Africa, and hiked many of the most beautiful locals in the world. The simple pleasure of a good book on a peaceful day was enough to make him happy. But some nights he would go out and party with his wife and friends like there was no tomorrow. And although he hated the idea at first, he went sky diving on his 60th birthday just to make the rest of the family happy.

Michael Sullivan was a class act. His passing leaves the world a little darker. However, he never wanted anyone to mourn his death. In place of a funeral, he requested his life to be celebrated. This will happen at a date yet to be determined by the family.