Mikel "Mike" Kent Carothers

Mikel (Mike or Kel) Kent Carothers 64, of Seminole, FL, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2022, at Moffitt Cancer Center. His wife & mother-in-law were by his side. Mike was born in Wilmington, DE on June 6, 1958, to William & Anna Carothers. He grew up in New Canaan, CT and graduated from New Canaan High School in 1976. After high school, he attended Eckerd College but soon left to join the U.S. Army. Following completion of his active-duty service, he returned to Eckerd and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1987. It was during this time at Eckerd that he met Michelle who became his wife of 33 years. Mikel was a dedicated, loving husband and loyal friend to many. Love of God and country were central to Mike’s life. He spent eight years in the United States Army where he served as the medic for Special Forces, 7th Group. During his service, he earned two purple hearts and a bronze star. The remainder of his working years were spent researching and understanding how politics and other influences impact the U.S. economy and financial system. The church and serving the Lord were important to Mike throughout his life. As a teenager, he participated in youth group activities and as an adult, he spent many years as both a member and Chair of the church’s Property Committee. He also served on the Membership, Engagement & Communications, Fellowship, Christian Education and Youth Committees, managed the church’s valet parking service and participated in several property and finance related task forces. It was his great joy to organize church workdays, new member luncheons and events honoring veterans. In recent years, Mike took pleasure in being a board member of his community’s Homeowner’s Association, serving as President in 2021. He was a history buff who could answer almost any question about WWII and an avid fan of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mikel is survived by his wife, Michelle Dalton Carothers, sister Gale Carothers Freeman & husband Donald Freeman, cousin Lois Miller-Willis, mother-in-law Carol Dalton, sister-in-law Mindy Dalton Scappaticcio & husband Mark Scappaticcio, nephews Dalton Meredith & Brandon Freeman, as well as numerous other first and second cousins. A Memorial/Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, October 8, 2022, 2pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2001 Rainbow Drive, Clearwater, FL 33765. A reception will follow. Donations in his memory to Disabled American Veterans at Help DAV - Donate Today - Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or flowers are welcome.