Michael Anthony Sayyah

Michael A. Sayyah of Marietta, died Thursday, July 17, 2014. He was born on August 28, 1935 in New York. Affectionately known by many as Uncle Mike, he led a very colorful life. As an accomplished chess player, he was former president of ProChess and friends with Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky. Mike's other passion was music. He enjoyed both composing and playing. He composed the Moonlight Gambler as sung by Frankie Lane, When Joanna Loved Me as sung by Tony Bennett, Mr Politician Man and Homeward the Hero. During his lifetime, Mike worked in the music industry in Nashville and the insurance industry in the mid-west. In recent years Mike enjoyed playing chess and shooting pool at the West Cobb Senior Center with John and his buddies, and playing golf with his good friends, Russ and Bob. He is survived by his wife whom he adored, Irma Clark Sayyah and extended family. A celebration of life will be held at Mike and Irma's home in Marietta on Sunday, July 20 at 4:00. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Disabled American Veterans @ www.dav.org . Online Guestbook available @ www.westcobbfuneralhome.com .