Michael Ramsey McLeod
August 23, 1941 ~ July 19, 2020
Born in:
Dixie, GA
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Michael Ramsey McLeod, 78, of Asheville, passed away on July 19, 2020.
A native of Dixie, GA, Michael was a son of the late Herbert and Frances Ramsey McLeod.
He was a graduate of the American University Law School and served as the General Counsel of the Senate Agriculture Community, where he was responsible for drafting many legislative initiatives. After leaving government service, Mike joined the law firm of Davis and McLeod in early 1978 and later established his own law firm of McLeod Watkinson and Miller. He worked as a lawyer-lobbyist where he represented such clients as the Chicago Board of Trade for more than 20 years, the American Association of Crop Insurers for more than 30 years and the United Egg Producers. Mike worked closely with members of Congress on farm legislation and other agricultural interests. He was often asked to speak to various farm groups and was widely considered a leader in his field.
In 1995, Mike and his wife purchased a small tract of land in South Asheville ad began to develop a small vacation rental resort. They poured their hearts into making their dreams come true and, after purchasing two additional tracts, have been able to build 25 vacation rental cabins. Mike retired in 2017, moved to Asheville and enjoyed walking, his two German shepherds and spending time with his family.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Sandy Hendrix McLeod; one son, Michael Christopher McLeod; one grandson, Colt Michael McLeod and one brother, Jerry McLeod.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNC.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Michael Ramsey McLeod 's name.
Alzheimer's Association of WNC
31 College Place, Ste Doppler 103
Asheville, NC 28801
(828)254-7363
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Sandy and Chris, our love and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
David and Nilda Hillhouse
Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers.
Sandy McLeod
Sandy and Chris,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was a good man and will surely be missed. He is in a better place now with no more suffering. I love you guys. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call.
Jared, thanks for your kind words. Mike is in a better place. We miss seeing you and visiting with you. I hope you are doing well. Love always,
Sandy
Thought and prayers are with the family during this loss of a special person.
Bob, Thank you so much. I glad that Mike got to see you and Becky when you were here recently. Take care and we love you guys!
My brother-in-law Mike was a kind man who did a lot of things. He loved his family, his dogs and Willow Winds. He will be missed by many.
Pat Fowler & Family
Pat….what can I say to a sister who is always there for me….who loved Mike unconditionally….and who has been my rock for decades. You are an amazing caring and loving sister and I appreciate all that you do for our entire family
Love you, Sandy
I’m so sorry for your loss. Mike was an amazing person and he and I had so many fond memories together. Parties at your house when my kids were so young. Winning the big case in the Supreme Court with the help of my friend, John Roberts, before he went on the bench! Mike was responsible for bringing me to McLeod, Watkinson and Miller so many years ago. I will always thank Mike for that. He loved you both so dearly. My condolences go out to you both! Godspeed! Love, Richard Rossier
Mike was a great friend to the egg industry and his wise counsel will be missed
God Bless, John Sheeley.
Sandy and Christopher, my family and I send our deepest sympathies and our prayers. We have not met, but many, many years ago Mike went out of his way to help me in a job search. With his help, I was hired by candidate Bo Ginn of Georgia to help in Bo’s winning Congressional campaign. Thus began my 24 year career on Capitol Hill, a career that I loved and which helped me transition to success the private sector. But that all began with Mike and his interest in helping a then 20-something. May God’s grace enfold you in this sad time, and give you comfort with the memories of Mike’s wonderful life.
Sandy , just saw where Mike went to be with the Lord. I am so sorry for your and chris’s Lose. Mike was such a gentleman every time and I met with him. He was a great man. May the Lord keep his loving arms wrapped around you and your family.
Your friend
Sam
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Our paths crossed many times at lobbying events and he was a strong supporter of the crop insurance industry and many others and a good man. Praying for many blessings upon his soul and graces for his family.
Sandy and Christopher ,
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I enjoyed working for Mike as we battled many issues together for the AACI. I know how much he enjoyed Ashville and being there with his family. He was so kind and supportive when my husband was transferred to HI and I left DC. May the many memories you have provide comfort – he will always be there with you.
Sandy, Chris-
I really enjoyed the few times I got to meet and get to know Mike when he was home, those many years ago. I am still in town, if you need anything, please reach out. Love to you all.
Bill had great respect for Mike and enjoyed their time together working for crop insurance. We have good memories of events with you in DC and other places. So sorry for your loss. Gods blessings.
Sandy, we were saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Mike was a good friend of mine during my time on the Hill and when I transitioned into retirement, Mike stepped up to offer me a job at his firm. Mike typified the kind of lasting and loyal friends that were a marked feature of Capitol Hill in bygone days. We will all miss Mike.
Sandy and chris,god be with your family at this time.
Sandy and chris,sorry for your loss.God give you strength in the days ahead.
I am sorry for Mike’s passing. I got to know Mike when I worked for the House Committee on Agriculture. He was always very kind to me and I liked and respected him.
My sympathies to all on Mike’s passing. I got to know Mike thru my involvement with the egg industry. He served many in the policy arena and his legacy there will be long remembered. Blessing to all in these times of mourning.
Mike was a truly kind, intelligent, wonderful person. It was an absolute privilege to know him. Love you Sandy. May the memories you carry with you bring comfort.
Megan
We are keeping you in our prayers and in our hearts. Mike was a dear man and was a special part of our family. We loved him and we love you.
We are keeping you in our prayers and always in our hearts. Mike was a dear man and a special part of our family. We loved him and love you.
Kathy, Larry, Jen and Andrew
Michael was a mentor when we worked together in his office from 1999-2004. I admired his skills in working with legislators and appreciated his insights on the issues. Even after he left Washington, DC we worked together and he proved invaluable with select Members of the House and Senate. I will miss Michael very much. Rest In Peace my friend.
Mike was, first and most important, my friend for more than fifty years. Fresh out of law school and a new, raw employee of U. S. Senator Herman Talmadge, I only knew what Mike taught me by word and example. His patience, determination, loyalty, and kindness knew no bounds — then and now. Tina’s and my warmest condolences.
Sandy – I’m so sorry and saddened (deeply) to hear/read about Mike’s passing. As you know, he always seemed like a father to me and I’ll never ever forget him. I learned a lot from him at McLeod, Watkinson & Miller and I am SO THANKFUL that HE was my first boss in Washington, DC. A true blessing and gift from God. Those nine years working for him were jam-packed busy every single day, but they flew by and it was actually fun most of the time. He was SUCH a smart man — wise in sooooo many ways — and very talented. I loved how he always had plans to do more than he had time to do!! I’m glad he finally found the time to write all those books he wanted to write. And I’m also glad you three moved back to Asheville so that you all could spend many exciting years building Willow Winds and playing in the gardens. He loved his gardens! And I loved him, and you! Thank you for letting me be a little part of your life and family at the office. Mike McLeod was a HUGE BLESSING to me in so many ways. I’ll never forget that face or that awesome accent. :o) This “gal” has missed him a lot and I do feel even more of a loss knowing he’s not here. :o( But I’m SURE he’s in heaven. He was a great man. My prayers are for you, Christopher and the family. Say “Hi” to Pat for me.
Big hugs to you!! And, God bless! ~ Bonnie (Goff) Langborgh and Eric, Samuel, Maggie and Rachel