John Michael Conley

Born April 10, 1936, in Huntington, West Virginia, Mike grew up in Bluefield before moving to Orlando, Florida, as a young boy. He graduated from Boone High School, where his lifelong love of athletics took root — a passion that later earned him induction into Boone High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He went on to attend Florida State University, where he distinguished himself as an All-American in track and in 1980 inducted into the Florida State Athletic Hall of Fame.

Mike’s life work was education. A lifelong educator and mentor, he began his career teaching American history at Cobb Middle School and coaching student-athletes in football, track and other sports. He later served as assistant principal and then principal of Leon High School in Tallahassee, shaping a school culture grounded in high expectations, stability and genuine care for students. Over a 33-year career — including 17 years as principal — Mike helped guide and influence more than 15,000 students. He was among the longest-serving high school principals in Florida history, and his impact is still felt across generations.

In 1990, after decades of service in public education, Mike ran for and won a seat on the Leon County School Board, where he served one term before officially retiring. In 2008, the Leon County School Board honored his legacy by naming a new school after him: J. Michael Conley Elementary School in the Southwood community — a lasting reminder of a life devoted to young people and public service.

Mike was a steady influence in his community, his church and his family. He was disciplined, prayerful and known for his strong sense of humor. For more than 50 years, he and his wife, Susan Hatcher Conley (“Sue”), were active members of Pisgah Methodist Church, where Mike served in many roles — including on church leadership — and, most recently, wrote a history of the church he loved.

Outside of work and service, Mike enjoyed life fully. He was an avid fisherman, a history-buff, woodworker and a lifelong traveler with Sue. Together, they spent more than 200 days at sea aboard cruise ships, collecting memories and stories along the way. And in retirement — which, as his family liked to say, lasted longer than his working years — he continued to invest in the people he loved most.

Mike’s devotion to his family was unwavering. The love he showed his wife of 68 years — his respect, tenderness and care — was among the greatest lessons he left behind, and the way his family will always remember him. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he delighted in every new chapter of family life.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Sonny and David; and his sister, Tebbs. He is survived by his wife, Susan Hatcher Conley (“Sue”); his children, Susan Miles and her husband, Mike; Cindy Davidson and her husband, Stan; and Jon Conley and his wife, Heather; six grandchildren, Casey, Nathan, Caroline, Kathleen, Emily and Sam; and 10 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Pisgah Methodist Church, 7000 Pisgah Church Rd., Tallahassee, FL, on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 2 p.m.