Mr. Michael Theron Lofton

Mr. Michael Theron Lofton, 62, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. 

He was born on August 6th, 1962 in Atlanta, Ga to Wilbur and Ethel Lofton. He was raised in Florida alongside his brothers Dean (Val) Lofton and Keith (Tracy) Lofton. During his youth, he aspired to be an educator and coach like his parents. He accomplished his childhood dreams, receiving his Bachelor's degree in Middle School Education from the University of Georgia in 1997, and his Master's Degree in Postsecondary Education from Troy University in 2008. Following in his father's footsteps, Michael spent nearly 20 years coaching hundreds of middle and high school students in football, track, and cross country. He spent those summers hosting cross-country camps on his family's Tennessee property. In addition to the numerous middle- and high-school cross-country champions and titles earned from 2009 to 2012, the Winder-Barrow Lady Bulldoggs won four consecutive region championships under Michael's leadership. When once asked about his teaching and coaching styles, Michael stated: "They (my students) are not afraid to fail because I let them know that we will learn much more from our mistakes in life than if we never made any mistakes at all." 

Michael peacefully retired to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he spent his remaining days alongside his husband, Ivan Acevedo. Michael's greatest achievements in life were his two children, Caitlyn (Ryan) McCullers, 33, and Nelson (Brenna) Lofton, 29. Michael is preceded in death by his father, Wilbur, and mother, Ethel. He is survived by his husband, Ivan, children, Caitlyn (Ryan) and Nelson(Brenna), mother of his children, Audra (Jay), his brothers Dean ( Val) and Keith ( Tracy), and many nieces ( Anna, Alanta, Aubrey, and Adelyn). 

Memorials for Michael Lofton will be held in his two favorite places. The September 5th,2026, service will be held at Hugh Taylor State Park in Fort Lauderdale, FL, from 12 pm to 3 pm. Then November 28, 2026, service will be held at the cross-country campground in Reliance, TN, from 12 pm to 3 pm. As the Cross-country camp is on private property, please reach out to Caitlyn or Nelson for the official address. 

If you’d like to honor Michael Lofton, donations can be made directly to the Faith Farm, Ft. Lauderdale Campus, a cause close Michael's heart.

Maddox Memorial Home, Winder, is entrusted with the arrangements.