HR 1762: Pete, Mickiel "Mike" Dewayne; honoring the life and memory; condolences

House Resolution 1762

By: Representative Santos of the 117th

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the life and memory of Mickiel "Mike" Dewayne Pete; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the members of the Georgia House of Representatives mourn the passing of one of Georgia's distinguished citizens, Mickiel "Mike" Dewayne Pete, who departed this life on March 9, 2026, at the age of 60; and

WHEREAS, Mickiel Dewayne Pete was born on October 7, 1965, in Killeen, Texas, at Fort Hood Army Base Hospital, the beloved son of Willie Pete and Marjorie Pete; and

WHEREAS, at the age of nine, he moved with his family to Augusta, Georgia, where he would later graduate from Glenn Hills High School in 1983, beginning a life defined by discipline, service, and determination; and

WHEREAS, following his graduation, Mr. Pete honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps, receiving an honorable discharge and demonstrating the commitment to duty and leadership that would guide him throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, after his military service, Mr. Pete pursued higher education at Augusta College, earning a degree in political science, and continued his academic journey through legal studies at the University of Florida before transferring to the University of Georgia School of Law, where he proudly became a Bulldawg and earned his Juris Doctor in 1992; and

WHEREAS, he successfully passed the Georgia State Bar Examination and later furthered his legal scholarship by earning a Master of Environmental Law from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Pete returned to serve in the United States Marine Corps as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, practicing law while serving his nation and earning the nickname "Mad Dog" for his tenacity and fearless advocacy, ultimately retiring at the rank of captain; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Pete dedicated his professional life to the pursuit of justice, founding the Pete Law Firm with his brother, Anthony Pete, and later working with the Cochran Firm of Atlanta, where he assisted in significant civil litigation matters; and

WHEREAS, he later continued his distinguished legal career at the Nicola Cummings Law Firm in McDonough, Georgia, where he practiced criminal defense and personal injury law, providing steadfast advocacy and compassionate representation to countless clients; and

WHEREAS, in August 2018, Mr. Pete met the love of his life, Nicola Cummings, and the two were married shortly thereafter, forming a partnership grounded in love, mutual respect, and shared professional purpose; and

WHEREAS, together they built a life of adventure and discovery, traveling the world and visiting destinations including England, Venice, Paris, the Dominican Republic, Cozumel, and numerous islands throughout the Caribbean, creating cherished memories along the way; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Pete and Marjorie Pete; his beloved son, Mickell Pete, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 14; and his brother, Cedric Pete, who passed away in 2025; and

WHEREAS, he leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory, including his devoted wife, Nicola Cummings, and her son, Troy Luke Jr.; his brothers, Willie L. Pete (Marie Pete), Anthony Pete (Laconia Pete), and Daniel Ross; his nieces and nephews, Christopher Pete, Michael Anthony Pete, Willie Pete Jr., Jillian Lopez (Luis Lopez), Dr. Tionne Pete, Alexia Pete, Simone Pete, and Daniel N. Ross; his great-niece, Rosalee Lopez, and great-nephews, Ezekiel Lopez and Daniel Lopez; as well as numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins, colleagues, and friends; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Pete's life was marked by service to his country, dedication to the legal profession, and deep love for his family, and his character, integrity, and tireless advocacy have left an indelible mark on the communities he served; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding life and legacy of this distinguished Georgian be recognized by this body.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body honor the life and memory of Mickiel "Mike" Dewayne Pete and express their deepest and most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Mickiel "Mike" Dewayne Pete.