HR1762: HR1762 Pete, Mickiel "Mike" Dewayne; honoring the life and memory; condolences

26 LC 112 3960 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.1 WHEREAS, the members of the Georgia House of Representatives mourn the passing of one2 of Georgia's distinguished citizens, Mickiel "Mike" Dewayne Pete, who departed this life on3 March 9, 2026, at the age of 60; and4 WHEREAS, Mickiel Dewayne Pete was born on October 7, 1965, in Killeen, Texas, at Fort5 Hood Army Base Hospital, the beloved son of Willie Pete and Marjorie Pete; and6 WHEREAS, at the age of nine, he moved with his family to August a, Georgia, where he7 would later graduate from Glenn Hills High School in 1983, begi nning a life defined by8 discipline, service, and determination; and9 WHEREAS, following his graduation, Mr. Pete honorably served his country in the United10 States Marine Corps, receiving an honorable discharge and demonstrating the commitment11 to duty and leadership that would guide him throughout his life; and12 WHEREAS, after his military service, Mr. Pete pursued higher ed ucation at Augusta13 College, earning a degree in political science, and continued his academic journey through14 H. R. 1762 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3960 legal studies at the University of Florida before transferring to the University of Georgia15 School of Law, where he proudly became a Bulldawg and earned his Juris Doctor in 1992;16 and17 WHEREAS, he successfully passed the Georgia State Bar Examination and later furthered18 his legal scholarship by earning a Master of Environmental Law from Tulane University in19 New Orleans, Louisiana; and20 WHEREAS, Mr. Pete returned to serve in the United States Marine Corps as a Judge21 Advocate General (JAG) officer, practicing law while serving hi s nation and earning the22 nickname "Mad Dog" for his tenacity and fearless advocacy, ultimately retiring at the rank23 of captain; and24 WHEREAS, Mr. Pete dedicated his professional life to the pursuit of justice, founding the25 Pete Law Firm with his brother, Anthony Pete, and later working with the Cochran Firm of26 Atlanta, where he assisted in significant civil litigation matters; and27 WHEREAS, he later continued his distinguished legal career at the Nicola Cummings Law28 Firm in McDonough, Georgia, where he practiced criminal defense and personal injury law,29 providing steadfast advocacy and compassionate representation to countless clients; and30 WHEREAS, in August 2018, Mr. Pete met the love of his life, Nic ola Cummings, and the31 two were married shortly thereafter, forming a partnership grounded in love, mutual respect,32 and shared professional purpose; and33 WHEREAS, together they built a life of adventure and discovery, traveling the world and34 visiting destinations including England, Venice, Paris, the Dominican Republic, Cozumel,35 H. R. 1762 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3960 and numerous islands throughout the Caribbean, creating cherished memories along the way;36 and37 WHEREAS, Mr. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Pete and Marjorie Pete;38 his beloved son, Mickell Pete, who passed away in 2014 at the a ge of 14; and his brother,39 Cedric Pete, who passed away in 2025; and40 WHEREAS, he leaves behind a loving family who will forever cher ish his memory,41 including his devoted wife, Nicola Cummings, and her son, Troy Luke Jr.; his brothers,42 Willie L. Pete (Marie Pete), Anthony Pete (Laconia Pete), and Daniel Ross; his nieces and43 nephews, Christopher Pete, Michael Anthony Pete, Willie Pete Jr ., Jillian Lopez (Luis44 Lopez), Dr. Tionne Pete, Alexia Pete, Simone Pete, and Daniel N . Ross; his great-niece,45 Rosalee Lopez, and great-nephews, Ezekiel Lopez and Daniel Lopez; as well as numerous46 loving aunts, uncles, cousins, colleagues, and friends; and47 WHEREAS, Mr. Pete's life was marked by service to his country, dedication to the legal48 profession, and deep love for his family, and his character, integrity, and tireless advocacy49 have left an indelible mark on the communities he served; and50 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstandi ng life and legacy of this51 distinguished Georgian be recognized by this body.52 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that53 the members of this body honor the life and memory of Mickiel "Mike" Dewayne Pete and54 express their deepest and most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.55 H. R. 1762 - 3 - 26 LC 112 3960 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized56 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the57 family of Mickiel "Mike" Dewayne Pete.58 H. R. 1762 - 4 -