Rest in peace Mike Oglesbee

Many of you reading this post will not know who Mike Oglesbee was. That does not really matter. What does matter is he was one of us. He loved bass fishing, helping people and being around us tournament folks.

I first met Mike and his wife Crystal several years ago here in central Alabama at Wind Creek State Park on Lake Martin. From Palatka, Fla., Mike and Crystal migrated to Opelika, Ala., with her job. Before coming here together they started running bass tournaments in Florida, primarily on the St. Johns River out of Palatka. Their company was known as OGS Tournaments LLC.

This week Mike passed away in his sleep after a brief illness.

I got to know Mike, and we had many discussions as tournament director to tournament director. He was an interesting guy and hard worker. As many of you who run tournaments know, especially charity events and regional derbies, it involves long hours and lots of hard work. Mike loved this sport and worked hard to make sure his customers had a good experience.

Closer to home on Lake Martin, Mike and Crystal brought a regular bass fishing series that offered all of us who love to compete the opportunity to fish well-run events on a regular basis.

Recently they started a youth series on Lake Martin that was poised for growth. I know Mike also helped coach youth sports with the Opelika School System. Through their operations of various charity tournaments, funds probably too numerous to count were raised for people who needed help.

Crystal and family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Mike had a servant’s heart. We appreciate his efforts to help those in need and all he did for us tournament anglers.

For many I say, “Rest in peace my friend!”

Service arrangements can be found by visiting the Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.