Arse Michael Mann

Arse Michael “Mike” Mann 03/05/1954 – 04/03/2025

Known as Mike to friends and family, R.C. to others, and affectionately called Dad, Grandpa, or Dear by those he loved most, he was a man with an extraordinary heart—overflowing with love, kindness, and generosity. Though he came from humble beginnings, Mike built a life to be proud of, creating a loving home for his wife and their three children, and leaving behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication to family.

Mike was born March 5, 1954 in Cullman, AL to Arse Estle Mann and Shirley Faye (Tanner) Mann. He endured a difficult childhood, losing his father at age 6 in a tragic car accident and stepping into the role of caregiver for his younger siblings. These challenges forged in him a deep sense of responsibility, resilience, and compassion. The hardships of his youth became the foundation of his strength, shaping him into a man defined by quiet perseverance, fierce loyalty to family, and an unwavering work ethic. Through it all, Mike carried the lessons of his early years with humility and grace, turning adversity into a lifelong commitment to care for those he loved.

In 1969, Shirley remarried. With Roger Rommens, Mike was finally blessed with the presence of a stepfather in his life. Roger became a steady source of guidance and support, playing a meaningful role in shaping Mike’s values and ultimately influencing his decision to serve his country by joining the Army after graduation.

Mike graduated from Huntsville’s Lee High School in 1972. He chose to serve his country by enlisting in the Army, where he proudly became a Military Police Officer. After completing basic training at Fort Knox and MP school at Fort Gordon, Mike was assigned to Fort Benning. He was then sent overseas to Germany on his tour of duty. There, he was a distinguished member of the 570th MP Platoon at Gutleut Kasern and Camp King in Frankfurt, guarding munitions on German trains. His last duty station was Fort Campbell as a member of the 553rd MP Company of the 101st Airborne, where he was the NCO of RAMPS (Rear Area Military Police Station) and a proud Screaming Eagle. He rose to the rank of sergeant and earned many awards including the National Defense Service Medal and a Medal of Commendation for working with NATO to secure cargo vital to national security. Mike said often that he so enjoyed all of his years in the Army that he never thought of it is a job, but more of an adventure.

After discharge, Mike continued his law enforcement career with Rogers (AR) Police Department, where he rose to rank of sergeant. There he was a member of the SWAT team and president of the FOP.

His final career was as a retail executive for 30 years. He began with Federated Department Stores as a security guard at Lazarus in Grand Rapids, MI before advancing to Regional Director of Loss Prevention at Rich’s/Lazarus/Goldsmith’s, then Regional and Deputy Director of Loss Prevention for Macy’s South, and ultimately Regional Director of Supply Chain Asset Protection for Macy’s Logistics. Mike loved his time at Macy’s and all of the moves his job required to various cities and states. During his tenure, he won many awards, formed lifelong friendships, built strong professional relationships, and mentored future executives.

Looking for a way to stay active and share his wealth of knowledge during retirement, he founded his own consulting firm, AMM Security Consultants, and continued working with clients up until his final days.

Mike was often found with a guitar in hand, singing songs he had written himself, catching a ball game, or cheering on the University of Alabama. His talent and passion for music—and his loyalty to Alabama sports—were surpassed only by the love he carried in his heart. He was the kind of man you could always count on. Whether it was a warm hug for his grandbabies, a thoughtful gesture for his wife, a life lesson for his children, or simply a smile to lift your spirits, Mike showed up with unwavering love, kindness, and quiet strength.

He was strong, smart, funny, and fiercely competitive. If you ended up on the winning side of a board game, you could count on hearing about it—probably for years. But behind the playful ribbing was laughter, mischief, a sly grin, and a joke that always followed. Mike was everything. He was the love that filled your heart, the kiss goodnight, the hand that wiped away tears. He was the voice of reason and of forgiveness, the warm smile and the firm handshake, the steady light at the end of the tunnel. To know Mike was to receive a rare and beautiful gift—the example of what one person can accomplish while staying completely true to themselves. He gave the world the gift of genuine love and lasting friendship.

In losing Mike, we’ve gained a lifetime of memories—each one a source of comfort, guidance, and love. Mike is never truly gone; he lives on in our hearts, in our stories, and in all the ways he shaped the lives of those who loved him.

Mike is survived by wife and best friend Adrienne (nee Ruminski); sons Lucas (Lily) and Christopher; daughter Jackilyn (Brian); grandchildren Libby, Max, Ayla, Nickolas, and Madison; brothers Steven (Patricia), Rickey (Brenda), Charles (Brenda), and Benny (Carol); sisters Lori (Dennis) and Lisa (James); sister-in-law Earlene; stepmother Phyllis Rommens; and aunt Dianne Nettles (Bill). He also leaves behind cherished Ruminski in-laws Raymond (Jennifer), Melissa, and Gregory, as well as a host of nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, and his brother Donnie.

Military funeral honors will be rendered for Mike on June 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Alabama National Cemetery, located at 3133 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL 35115.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. Please visit 

https://gofund.me/8c8fe1d6