Michael Wayne Utley Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Michael Wayne Utley was born on April 16, 1949 in Borger, Texas to Rex and Louise Utley and was called home on July 31, 2020. The oldest of four children, his family moved to Huntsville in 1961. Mike graduated from Huntsville High School in 1968 and later received his BBA from Sam Houston State University. Mike married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Edgar, on July 31, 1971 and they built a beautiful life together filled with immense love and lots of laughter. (Even though he often referred to her as his “first wife”!) He loved baseball and the Astros. Mike spent many years coaching little league and little dribblers and considered his players a part of his family. To Mike, work was a “dirty four-letter word”, but he served his time with TDCJ and retired as Associate Deputy Director in 1999. Now he was free to do what he loved most-fishing. Whether he went with his precious dog, Sadie, his family or friends, he was peaceful and perfectly content on the lake and went every chance he had. He also used to love water skiing and driving his boat trying to see how high he could launch the tubers behind him. He impacted so many lives and everyone agrees: his heart was bigger than Texas, his loyalty and integrity were unmatched, and he always made you feel special. His humor and optimism were contagious. His faith and unwavering love for Jesus were steadfast and openly shared. He never met a stranger and never hesitated to help you if you were in need. He was a lifeline and mentor to countless friends and family members. He sincerely loved his family and was so proud of his grandsons and was present for each of their accomplishments. He especially loved Jace’s ninja warrior and watching Jaxton on the soccer field. If Cori had a bad day, he would just remind her he was proud of her. He truly was a bright light that was only healed by our Lord and is now fishing in paradise. Welcoming Mike to his eternal reward were his parents, his brother, Dwight, his sister and brother-in-law, Jo Ann and Danny Wayne Lewis, and his father-in-law Marvin Edgar. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 49 years, Brenda, his daughter and son-in-law, Cori and Josh Mooney, his grandsons Jace Micheal and Jaxton Ryan, his sisters, Patti Utley and Retha Utley, his mother-in-law, Dolly Edgar, nieces Cece Ford (Kylar), Amber Ford (Edwin and Phillip), Lindsay Lewis (Delaney, Jolee, and Brayden), nephew Eric Ford, his sister-in-law Judy Utley, his beloved church family at Friendship Harbor, and his special fishing buddies. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at noon at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville with Brother Reagan Duncan officiating. Visitation with the family and friends will precede the service from 10 am until noon. Should you desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Rita B. Huff Humane Society or a charity of your choice in Mike’s memory. “You’re either making memories or you are one.” -Mike Utley Memorial condolences to the family may be made at www.shmfh.com

Michael Wayne Utley

April 16, 1949 - July 31, 2020