Michael Raker

Michael Christopher Raker, 59, passed away peacefully on January 23,

2025, at his home in Alpharetta, surrounded by his family. This marked the

end of his thirteen-month Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) journey.

Mike was born on September 29, 1965, to Joseph (Joe) and Eppie Raker in

Jacksonville, Florida. He grew up on South Edgewood Avenue with his

younger brother Mark. He spent many summers visiting his mother’s family

in Germany. It was during one of these trips that his uncle inspired Mike’s

lifelong love of street and nature photography.

After graduating as valedictorian of Robert E Lee High School, Mike moved

to Atlanta, Georgia to study actuarial science at Georgia State University.

Upon graduation, he began his career as an actuary for Mercer,

PricewaterhouseCoopers, Swerdlin Company and Ascensus.

On September 14, 1991, Mike married his wife of 33 years, Susan Camp.

They settled into their home in Alpharetta, Georgia in 1992. They were

blessed with Thomas and Nora.

When not spending time with his family, Mike could be found around

Georgia enjoying his passion for photography. He was a member of

photography groups in Atlanta. His photographs have been featured in the

Atlanta Journal, on ABC Nightly News, and on book and CD covers.

Following the renovation of the Atlanta Library in Downtown Atlanta, he

was among several local photographers invited to take photos of the library.

His photo was selected as one of fourteen photos shown at the grand re-

opening of the library.

Mike is survived by his wife, Susan and his children Thomas and Nora. He

is also survived by his mother, Eppie; brother, Mark; sister-in-law, Zuleika;

nephew, Sebastian; and niece, Olivia. His surviving, extended family

includes his sister-in-law, Harriet Arthur; brother-in-law, David Camp; sister-

in-law, Debra Camp and nephews Jeff Arthur, Chip Camp (Karina) and

Drew Camp (Morgan).

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on March 15, 2025, at 1:00pm at

Johns Creek Baptist Church Chapel at 6910 McGinnis Ferry Road,

Alpharetta, Georgia 30005. A reception for family and friends will be held in

the Heritage Room of the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to ALS United of

Georgia. ALS United was instrumental in guiding Mike and his family

through his ALS journey. Donations can be made to www.ALSGeorgia.org.