Obituaries

Albert Michae Jr.

Photo of Albert Michae Jr.
Bro. Albert Michael Jr. of Sheridan, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on September 23, 2015 at his home, at the age of 73. He was born March 5, 1942 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas the son of the late Albert Michael Sr. and Kathleen Berry Michael. "Bro. Al", as he was known to so many people, graduated from Sheridan High School in 1960, and was captain of the football team. After high school, he attended Arkansas State Teacher's College in Conway (now UCA), and later worked as a pipe fitter for19 years at the Dierks Paper Mill. It was during his time at the paper mill that Bro. Al knew, without a doubt, that God had other plans for his life. He knew God was calling him to preach His Gospel. His obedience to God's will for his life, and ministry, so many years ago, led him on a blessing-filled journey, that allowed him to touch countless numbers of lives along the way. Bro. Al never allowed worldy circumstances to limit God's amazing grace and ability. It has been said by so many people over the years, that Bro. Al was the "Godliest man they had ever known". He wasn't interested in self-promotion at all, but rather, lived his life truly believing John 3:30 where it says that "He must increase, but I must decrease". For him, his entire life was focused on the simple truth, that it's all about Jesus! One of the greatest blessings that God gave Bro. Al, was his wife of almost 53 years, Sis. Virginia. They were the "dynamic duo" of ministry. A young man once said it this way: "Bro. Al is the gentle shepherd, and Sis. Virginia is the sheepdog, walking behind, nipping at people's heels, when necessary". Bro. Al has pastored Junet Pentecostal Church for 38 years. He wasn't just an anointed preacher (and man could he preach!) ….he was also a pastor. In fact, he was pastor to anyone who needed him, whether a member of his congregation or not. There are many people in Heaven today, because Bro. Al cared enough to invest in their lives and share God's plan of hope and salvation with them. Bro. Al and Sis. Virginia have also been a tremendous blessing through their 30 years of nursing home ministry in Sheridan. He was known for his signature song, "Preacher and The Bear". Just a few of his gifts he shared with the residents was preaching, singing, and playing the harmonica. His joyful presence made people want to be around him and listen to every word he had to say. He didn't just tell folks about how they should live…he lived as an example to them. He gave sacrificially to bless others in need, not for his glory or fame, but because he had a servant‘s heart. When he saw a need, he didn't give based on what he could spare, he trusted God to direct him in how he needed to help and he never looked back. He just simply believed that the same God who had blessed him exceedingly and abundantly, would use him to be a blessing to others. Bro. Al was also blessed with an amazing, Godly family. Sometimes it is hard being the kids or grandkids of a preacher, and having to share him with many others. Rather than being resentful, Bro. Al's family joined right in with him in ministering to others. He did enjoy times at home with them. His kids said he was a "mechanical genius" and could fix anything. He so enjoyed listening to his grandkids play music. He even found time to fish occasionally and he made time to plant and tend his garden. Although Sis. Virginia is well known for her Sunday dinners, Bro. Al's time to shine was breakfast, and his BBQ ribs were unsurpassed. On Wednesday morning, Bro. Al heard the Lord say those words he‘d longed to hear one day, "Well done, my good and faithful servant". He closed his eyes in his earthly home and opened them again in his heavenly home. There truly is "shoutin' on the hills of Glory " today, as Bro. Al is seeing the place that he spent his ministry pointing towards, Bible in hand, showing others how they could get there too. He is survived by his wife Sis. Virginia Michael of Sheridan; son, Michael Michael and wife Jennie of Sheridan; daughters, Jennifer Lisenbey and husband Stacy of Plainview, and Andrea Oldner and husband Perry of Sheridan; sister, Kay Reed and husband Greg of Sheridan; six grandchildren, Amanda Hooper (Adam), Andrew Oldner (Norma), Collin and Sarah Michael, Caleb and Emily Lisenbey; great grandson, Noah Oldner. He is also survived by his cherished Junet Church family and countless numbers of friends. Funeral services will be 4 p.m., Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel in Sheridan with his son-in-law, Bro. Stacy Lisenbey officiating. Bro. Al wanted to have "Church" at his Home-going service, so it should be no surprise to anyone that Sis. Virginia and other family members will present the music. Burial will follow at Jones Cemetery near Jefferson, Arkansas. Visitation will also be Saturday, from 2 p.m. until service time at 4 p.m. Memorials may be made to Junet Pentecostal Church. Bro. Al was loved and respected by so many people, because of his genuine desire to serve his Lord by serving his community. In the words of the song, "Thank You for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed." Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-1306. To sign the online guestbook, www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

Published September 25, 2015

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