Michael Joseph Pickrell

Michael Joseph Pickrell, 68 of Murphy, was called home by the Lord and given his angel wings to watch over his family and friends on Saturday, November 18, 2023. He was a native of Schenectady, New York and 1973 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam, New York. He enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed on the U.S.S. Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, working on the flight deck as a yellow shirt air crew man. Michael also worked as a Navy recruiter in Schenectady, New York. Michael settled in Port St. Lucie, Florida where he worked for DiVosta Builders before moving to Murphy, North Carolina in 2007. He worked locally as a handyman and carpenter. He was the son of Margaret Hatala Elwood of Murphy, and the late David E. Pickrell Sr. In addition to his mother, he is also survived by two sisters, Rebecca Haemmerlein of Arlington, Virginia and Kelly Ward, and husband Steven of Schuylerville, New York; one brother, David E. Pickrell Jr. and wife, Francine of Blairsville, Georgia; and beloved cat, Gracie; also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A graveside service will be held at 1 PM Friday, December 1, 2023 in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, New York with Military Honors provided by the United States Navy. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made in memory of Michael Joseph Pickrell to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, Ok 73123-3000.