Sgt. 1st Class Mike Withers, U.S. Army retired, 54, of Dawsonville, died March 7, 2013.

Born Sept. 4, 1958, in Monticello, Ariz., Mr. Withers had been a resident of Dawsonville for the past 13 years.

An avid skydiver, he served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne.

Sgt. Withers had served in numerous parts of the world during his time in the Army, such as Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., Fort Bragg, N.C. and Sigarmi Hara, Japan.

His father, Max Withers, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Shelia Withers of Dawsonville; son, Michael Shane Withers of Dawsonville; daughters, Mackinzie Higginbotham, Madison Higginbotham, both of Dawsonville; granddaughter, Jasmine Skye Ballew of Dawsonville; mother, Anne Pummill of Cabot, Ark.; sisters, Paula Daniel of Cabot, Ark., Nancy Withers of Conway, Ark.; brothers, Ricky Withers of Conway, Ark., John Withers of Ward, Ark.; special friend, Terry Beck of Dahlonega; various other relatives also survive.

The family is planning private memorial services.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville is in charge of the arrangements.