Isaac "Mike" Askew

Isaac Clifton “Mike” Askew, III, 80, of Augusta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Augusta on August  25, 1944, to the late Isaac Clifton Askew, Jr. and Louise King Askew.

Mike grew up in Grovetown and Warrenton, Georgia. He graduated from Warren County High School, where he enjoyed playing both football and basketball. In 1966, he earned a degree in Business Administration from North Georgia College and always looked forward to returning for his class reunions. He continued his education for a number of years and enjoyed taking classes in Psychology at Augusta College.

After a long and dedicated career, Mike retired from the Georgia Department of Labor with 34 years of service. Following his retirement, he enjoyed working several years at one of his favorite places, The Gun Cabinet.

Mike was active in his community, serving on several boards including the Richmond County Mental Health Board, the Richmond County Human Relations Commission, and the Board of Julie’s House, a shelter for abused women and children. He was active in his children’s schools especially during their time at Westminster Schools of Augusta. He was also a member of the Optimist Club and The First Baptist Church of Augusta. Mike will be remembered by his family and friends for his great sense of humor and positive outlook on life.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Emily Birt Askew; their daughter, Elizabeth Askew Baird of Augusta; son, Isaac Clifton Askew, IV and son-in-law, Jack Short Norton of Atlanta. He was a proud and loving grandfather to his five grandchildren: Nolan Dudley Baird, III, Claire Elizabeth Baird, Hugh Frampton Baird, Edward Clifton Askew-Norton, and William Jack Askew-Norton. He is also survived by his brother, Carlton King Askew and his wife Mary Ann; sister-in-law, Bettye Lee Birt; brother-in-law, Robert Hugh Birt and his wife Gayle, and a number of special cousins.

A graveside service to honor Mike’s life will be held at Westover Memorial Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with Dr. Will Dyer officiating.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and caregivers who supported Mike during the final year of his illness.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Augusta, 3500 Walton Way Extension, Augusta, Georgia 30909, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com