Obit – Howard Michael Hadden
Born Howard Michael Hadden on July 16th, 1956, in Perry, GA to Emma Elizabeth Louise (Greene) & John B. Hadden, of Bonaire, GA; he was placed on active duty in Heaven on Monday, February 2nd, 2026. A proud veteran of the United States Navy and mentor to many, Mike was the champion of second (and third and fourth) chances and always found good in even the worst of us. Mike loved God, his family, fishing and dogs. He was a protector, advisor and advocate for many. He took in those who had found themselves at the bottom of the cliff and tried to patch them up, clean them up, preach them up and set them on a better path. He was strong enough to tell the truth when it would have been much easier to look the other way. He knew the truth can be hard to face, but anything else is a lie.
Mike was a loyal friend, co-worker, and employee of Building and Earth Sciences as a Registered Roofing Observer, inspector and project manager for 25 years. Including being a member of the IIBEC for 20 years. He traveled extensively for work and blessed many people along the way with his positive attitude, encouragement, and always a sense of humor.
Like the rest of us, Mike was not perfect, but he tried to get a little better every day by studying God’s word and living accordingly. He appreciated the simple things in life and was happy as a billionaire to catch a few fish. He never minded letting you know who caught the most, either. If there are catfish in Heaven, they better look out!
Mike was raised by his father in Bonaire, GA with his brother, Pat. He held his first job as a carhop at The White Diamond Grill, where he formed his disciplined work ethic and a lifelong passion for their barbecue. He graduated from Warner Robins High School and joined the United States Navy, where he traveled the world and served his country for over a decade. After returning to civilian life Mike lived in FL, VA, GA, WV, LA and TN.
Mike met Shelly in Americas, GA while attending Nursing School at Georgia Southwestern College during Christmas 1993. They later married on November 28th,1998. Together they raised 3 children, several grandchildren and great-grands!
Mike is preceded in death by Father, John B. Hadden of Bonaire, GA.
Mike is survived by his brothers & sister: Johnny Patrick Hadden & wife, Katheryn of Daphne, AL; Charles Edward Hadden of Centerville, GA; John Wayne Hadden of Bonaire, GA; Shirley (Hadden) Newman of Savannah, GA; Wife, Shelly Marie (Feibel) Hadden of Carthage, TN. Sons: Joseph “Joe” Pena & wife, Kelsey “Dr. K” of Nashville, TN; Dennis Pena Sr. & wife, Charlotte of Goodlettsville, TN. Daughter, Sierra (Pena) Bell & husband, Dustin of Harmony, NC. Bonus Family includes: Christina Pena, Byram, MS; Tony “Bubba” Pena, Goodlettsville, TN; Steven Kibler, St. Petersburg, FL.
He was a dedicated PawPaw to a host of Grands & Bonus Grands: Gavin Kennedy, Harmony, NC; Jalen Todd, Gordonsville, TN & Ross Sullivan, Mt. Juliet, TN; Dennis “DJ” Pena, Jr., New Bern, NC; Cameryn Pena, New Bern, NC; Michael “Mikey” Pena, Panama City Beach, FL; Jack Vivenzio, Goodlettsville, TN; Charlie Vivenzio, Goodlettsville, TN; Lucas & Madia Allen, St. Petersburg, FL; Naudija & Joslyn Brinkley, Hartsville, TN; Madyssa & Ruber Medina, Hermitage, TN; Logan Kibler, Byram, MS; Miranda Kibler, Clinton, MS; Aidan Pena & Hailey Presley, Byram, MS; Chase Thaxton, Riddleton, TN. 4 Great-Grands: Jocelyn, Phoenyx, Malakai, & River + 2 more on their way!
He was especially close with 2 of his nieces; Cassie (Hadden) & Ross Moore and children; Carter Fraley, Stella Louise, & Emily Kate Moore of Daphne, AL; Nikki (Dudley) & Darin Nelson and children; Zade Waltemath, Hayley, & Peyton Nelson of Daphne, AL.
Mike had a host of friends he touched along the way and never met a stranger.
He will be sorely missed but, through the grace of God, he will one day be letting us know who the fishing champ is again.
Funeral arrangements are being made by: Bass Funeral Home, 807 North Main Street, Carthage, Tennessee.
Visitation was held on Saturday, February 7th, 2026, at 2 p.m. followed by a Service at 3 p.m. prepared by Pastor Barney Allison & Pastor Jackie Dawson.
At 5 p.m., a Celebration of Life gathering was held at Carthage Full Gospel Church, 109 1st Avenue West, Carthage, TN 37030, where Mike attended for many years.
BASS of CARTHAGE
