October 2, 2015 at 7:20am God called our Son, Husband, Father, Papa, Brother, and friend to Heaven where he gained his Angel wings, extremely too soon. Michael was a free spirit who deeply loved his family, and life. Michael had a strong passion for fishing and hunting to him, it was a challenge, not just as a sport, but to provide food for his family. Michael's Dad (Ben) always said, Michael was the only person he knew that could fill up a boat with catfish while you sat beside him and never get a bite, Michael's Mom called him the Fish Whisperer. When hunting he seldom came home without a deer he loved his deer meat, but always shared it with others. Michael taught his children the art and love of fishing and hunting and many other survival skills, for Michael learning to fish and hunt was a requirement of life. Michael had a huge heart and compassion for others, he always lent a helping hand even to strangers needing a tire changed especially the elderly he would never pass them by. Many came to Michael for help, no matter the reason or his limited resources he gave others a place to stay, fed them or gave the little money he had. We, his family, are eternally grateful God took Michael swiftly and didn't allow him to linger in pain. The heartbreak of not seeing or holding Michael is unbearable for his family, but we know this is part of God's plan for our loved one. Michael loved the Lord and did his best to serve him.
At the time of his passing Michael was a heavy equipment operator in the oilfield. Michael had worked a great number of years for Darnell-Dickson Construction. Many have said, Michael is the best at running heavy equipment with his need of total perfection, for a job well done!
On March 29th 2014, Michael married Mandy Ann (Hill) Riley, he deeply loved his wife and often told his Mom, Mandy is my soul mate, she was made for me, and she truly loves me! Mandy was always by his side, one gave the other strength to face any obstacle. If you truly knew Michael and his heart, you saw love and knew his love was never ending. Michael was received by those who went before him and was welcomed with loving arms by his beloved Uncle Johnny Riley, brother-in-law Beau Hill and many friends. Left behind to honor Michael and carry his memory are his lovely wife Mandy, beautiful daughter Kellsey and husband Joe, handsome son Mickey and wife Amber and granddaughter Paisley June who brought him so much joy, handsome son John (Bubba), and handsome baby boy Michael Tate, his handsome step-sons Keath and Andy Sharp. Michael’s loving parents, Ben and Donna Rathbone, siblings Rance, Rendon and Christy. Grandparents H.J. and Wanda Key, his most loving in laws, James and Virgie Hill and his beloved Pitbulls Sephus and Camo. Michael also left aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends he loved as family. Michael will guard his family from heaven, while always remaining in our hearts and with us in spirit. Rest in peace Sancho, our days are dark, but our love for you is forever bright.
The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Rhonda and Joani Lee, Natalie and Allen Adamson, Pat Medart, Lenny and Carol Young, Shanny Reed, and Aseneth Engel for all the food and drinks, and the many other friends who have offered. A very deep and special heartfelt Thank you to Jill Root for carrying Michael's Mom in that darkest hour, and being her tower of strength in time of need. Words cannot express how thankful we are for friends and family who have shared their love, memories and fun experiences of Michael. These memories will guide us through our dark days ahead. Knowing that so many loved Michael as his family is a wonderful blessing to us. To those attending his service and wishing to honor Michael, please, wear a black T-shirt and boots, if you truly knew Michael, you knew his signature of a black T-shirt and boots.
Services honoring Michael will be at Grape Creek Baptist Church Thursday October 8th 2015 at 2:00p.m. with Reverend Jim Bush officiating, Michael's ashes will be placed at Grape Creek Cemetery.
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