Miguel Angel Mendez

Miguel Angel Mendez, 77 of Mountain City, Georgia, passed away from his earthly life on July 3, 2025. He was a man who loved God, his family and friends. He was a true lover of nature and finding lakes was his absolute favorite because he loved to fish. He enjoyed camping, road trips, walking and reminiscing about the good ol’ deer hunting days with his work buddies who called him Mike. Among many other activities two things that always brought him a lot of joy were cooking delicious meals for others and tending to his own garden, it gave him purpose. He first came to visit North Georgia in August of 2021 & it was love at first sight. Just 3 months later in November of 2021 he took a leap of faith & arrived here with a U-Haul packed with all his belongings, ready to begin a new chapter. Although he was leaving the majority of family in Southern California he also knew God and little handful of family here were his compass. He was able to join his youngest daughter and son in-law who had been living in North Georgia for about a year already, as well as his wife who had made the trek to this gorgeous part of the country a month before him. The two then found a home of their own here in Mountain City, a place they both truly fell in love with so much they expressed never wanting to move again.

Before moving to North Georgia, he was a resident of sunny Southern California where he spent 51 years of his life. While he started at a car wash and prep chef job, he then dedicated 42 years working in the Aerospace industry becoming a highly skilled aircraft parts assembler for both military and commercial. A job he was passionate about, so much he never switched careers until his time for retirement finally came. His precision and attention to detail remained a part of his lifestyle and was something to admire.

My Old Man

My father was so proud and grateful to have had the opportunity to become an American citizen many decades ago and make no mistake there was always an American flag waving from a pole wherever he lived. Thanks to having dual citizenship he kept a promise he said he made to himself and that was to never forget his roots. Over the years he made countless trips back to visit family and close friends in Guatemala, the country where he was born and a place also known as the “Land of Eternal Spring.”

His final trip to Guatemala concluded in March of 2025 with my mother. A special trip where I, his youngest daughter and my husband got to join my parents never imagining that would become my father’s last adventure there. It was a special 2 week trip where my father drove us everywhere and he could not hide the joy he felt as he had the opportunity to now show his son in law for the very first time why Guatemala remained dear to his heart. Everyone traveled back home to North Georgia safely. My parents returned in April and among many things before his sudden/rapid departure from this life, He planted a nice little garden at his home and thankfully he was still made aware he would become a grandfather in December of 2025 to the first baby on the way from his youngest daughter and son in law. I know in the end his final years with the breathtaking scenery in North Georgia reminded him of the beautiful country he was originally from.

He will be truly missed but we know he’s at peace and will remain in our hearts forever. Gods promise is a gift that reminds us this isn’t the end. He is survived by his wife: Berta Mendez; his children, Kimberly McIntire & Erik Mendez; son in law, Ryan McIntire; daughter in law, Olivia Mendez; one brother, Victor Mendez; one sister, Rita Mendez Sandoval; A very special family member, Walter Galicia, more than just a cousin, a brother and best friend.

He will be remembered by all the family & friends he left behind everywhere he went and were dear to him.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 11:00 am at Wolffork Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Victor Mendez officiating.  

Hunter Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Miguel Mendez.