Jesup, Ga. Michael G. Backus, 59 of Jesup, Ga. died Monday, December 15, 2014 in St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah, Ga. Mike was born in Wayne County on January 16, 1955 and graduated from Wayne County High School in 1972 where he had great memories of playing in a band with school friends. He then graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Georgia Southern College. He became a sports writer for newspapers in Augusta and Warner Robins. Later he became a firefighter, the job that he truly loved and owned part of a bookstore. He then moved back to Jesup and taught computer science classes at Altamaha Technical School. He enjoyed playing golf, reading and playing with his dog, Jake. He was the primary caregiver for his father, Henry Gannett Backus the last years of his life. He was also predeceased by his mother, Laura Hickey Backus. Survivors are his sister, Priscilla Backus Blood and her husband, Larry of Saint Johns, Fla.; his brother, Henry Gannett Backus, Jr. and his wife, Mary Elizabeth of Roswell, Ga.; a niece and 3 nephews. Memorial services will be held at a later date by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Animal Refuge Foundaton, P.O. Box 432, Jesup, Ga. 31598. Please sign the online guestbook at www.rinehartandsons.com. Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup, Ga. is in charge of arrangements.