Jacksonville attorney Michael J. “Mike” Dewberry has died at age 67. The highly regarded husband, father, grandfather and lawyer was known for his signature bow tie and suspenders, love for the law and commitment to mentoring other attorneys.
Dewberry was a shareholder at Rogers Towers, where he practiced commercial litigation and employee litigation. He was also a certified federal mediator and an active member of The Jacksonville Bar Association, including serving as president, and the American Bar Association.
“I loved Mike Dewberry and he will always be one of my warm memories when I reflect back on my years at Rogers Towers,” said Charles “Charlie” Towers Jr. “He will be sorely missed, and I know that the entire firm grieves with me over this loss.”
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Dewberry is survived by his wife, Sherrill Hitzing Dewberry; his son Michael Patrick Dewberry; his daughter, Lisa Dewberry Thrower and son-in-law Monroe B. Thrower III; and grandchildren, Monroe B. Thrower IV and Malcolm Patrick Thrower.
A graduate of Florida State University (B.A., 1969) and the University of Florida (J.D., 1976), Dewberry first came to work at Rogers Towers in 1977. Since that time, he mentored many of the firm’s attorneys who still practice with the firm today.
“‘Mentoring’ is a popular topic today, but Mike recognized the importance of mentoring long ago,” said Chris Hazelip, a Rogers Towers shareholder. “Mike was always teaching, and I was a grateful beneficiary of his patient, instructive wisdom starting 30 years ago when I was a brand new lawyer assigned to him, until three weeks ago when he entered the hospital. Mike was my mentor, as well as my friend, and my life is better for it.”
Widely known as a lawyer’s lawyer, Dewberry followed a longstanding tradition at Rogers Towers by serving as president of the JBA from 1989-90. He was heavily involved in The Blood Alliance (formerly the Florida-Georgia Blood Alliance), serving as the organization’s general counsel for the past 36 years. He was also a master in the Chester Bedell Inn of Court and the organization’s secretary and treasurer.
“I am so grateful for the way that Mike mentored me when I first arrived at Rogers Towers and for the honor of being his law partner for so many years,” said the Rev. Sandra Hedrick, Dewberry’s long-time law partner and friend. “Mike was a brilliant lawyer, a faithful friend and a fabulous mentor.”
Dewberry was also remembered for his lighter side. In a recent ALS ice bucket challenge, Dewberry readily accepted the challenge, good-humoredly letting his longtime assistant dump a bucket of ice on his head.
“While we have heavy hearts and are incredibly sad at his passing, we consider ourselves blessed to have had such an amazing person as part of our family,” Hazelip said. “His upbeat personality, genuine kindness, and endless intellectual curiosity will be greatly missed.”