Mike Cavanaugh

Michael Eugene Cavanaugh, 69, of Mooresville, left this life peacefully in the comfort of his home with family at his side on Friday, December 5, 2025.  He was born in New Castle, Indiana on July 21, 1956, and is the biological son of Gene “Dump” Godby and is the adopted son of the late Roger Eugene Cavanaugh and Nina M. (Frye) Cavanaugh Mantock.

He married the love of his life, Sally Jo Bumpus, on November 26, 1988, and together they built a beautiful life centered around their daughters. Mike was a proud “girl dad” through and through—being their father was his greatest joy and his truest calling.

For 35 years, the family made their home at 71 West High Street in Mooresville, where Mike and Sally poured their hearts into lovingly renovating the old house. For several years, Mike volunteered as a prison mentor – keeping in touch with many mentees, delivering the message of “being a good neighbor.”

Mike loved adventure, especially on two wheels. He cherished the freedom of the open road and was proud to have ridden his motorcycle through all lower 48 states—and even Alaska. In addition, he thoroughly enjoyed wheeling and dealing and trying to get deals on whatever he could, saying “can you take less?”

Those who knew Mike will forever remember his gift for lighting up a room and bringing laughter with him. He never met a stranger. Whether chatting with the tables beside him in a restaurant or making friends on family vacations, he had a way of drawing people in with genuine warmth. He was an endlessly proud father, always the loudest voice in the cheer section, his joyful “here we go, girls!” shouting out for all to hear.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends including his wife, Sally Cavanaugh; daughters, Katie (husband, Dustin) Winters, Kellie Cavanaugh (husband, Jake Smith), Kristie (husband, Logan) Fox, and Natalie Mabry; grandchildren, Riley Winters, Carson Winters, Caden Winters, Gracie Fox; and one grandchild on the way, Tucker Jo Smith.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, December 12^th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory in Mooresville.  Mike’s Life Celebration® Service will begin at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 13^th at the funeral home.  Mike’s earthly remains will be cremated at the Morgan County Crematory following the visitation and laid to rest in White Lick Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kairos Prison Ministry in Mike’s memory.  Contributions may be made online at https://kairosprisonministry.org/ or using the envelopes provided at the funeral home.

Visit  https://carlislebranson.com/obits/mike-cavanaugh/  to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.