McColl, Michael Forrest

Lifelong Chattanoogan And Independent Businessman

  • Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Michael Forrest McColl
Michael Forrest McColl

Michael Forrest McColl, 67, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on June 4, 2025.

Known to his friends and family as Mike, was born in Chattanooga, on Sept. 18, 1957, and remained a lifelong resident of the city.

A naturally gifted athlete, Mike was a standout junior golfer, competing in local, state, and regional tournaments and amassing a collection of trophies along the way. He played for the Chattanooga High School golf team and served as team captain during his senior year. He continued his love of golf and maintained the friendships he developed through golf for the rest of his life.

After briefly attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Mike returned to working in the food service industry, where he had gotten his start as a teenager at Fehn’s restaurant. With encouragement and support from his older brother, Bruce, Mike eventually found his niche as an independent businessman. Under the name “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” he built a career installing and servicing door chimes in businesses throughout the Southeast.

Mike’s life was not without struggle—he battled addiction for all of his adult years. But in 2005, with the help of friends and family, Alcoholics Anonymous and the steady companionship of his beloved pet rabbits, he achieved lasting sobriety. He developed strong friendships through AA and became passionate about helping others in the program.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Allan Campbell McColl and Virginia Ernestine Tarpley McColl; his brother, Bruce Allan McColl; his brother-in-law, William John Clement; and his niece, Sarah Ellen Clement.

He is survived by his sister, Jan McColl (Clement) Kerr (Ed) of Greenbrier, Arkansas; his sister, Virginia “Ginny” McColl Nevins (John) of Berkeley Lake, Georgia; his brother, Mark Steven McColl (Margaret) of Vestavia, Alabama; his sister-in-law, Lynn Frunzi McColl of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga on July 12, at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend and share remembrances of Mike’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga or the National Humane Society, in honor of Mike’s lifelong love for rabbits.

Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.

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