of Little Rock, AR
January 21, 1948 - July 7, 2016
Michael Stephen Straughan, 68, of Little Rock, passed away July 7, 2016. He was born January 21, 1948, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E. (Jimmie) Straughan and Helen Clayton Straughan Tull.
Michael was employed for 37 years at Systematics/Alltel/FIS as a Computer and Business Analyst where he was fortunate to have traveled the world. He was very involved in music his entire life as he played in several Rock & Roll and Jazz bands, enjoyed calling square dances, and was a music instructor for 18 years in guitar, bass, and mandolin. Michael was also a competitive duck caller, winning second place at the Texas State Duck Calling Championship.
Michael loved spending time with his family boating and fishing on Lake Ouachita, and vacationing with his Arkansas and Arizona families at their cabin near Flagstaff, Arizona. He loved all Razorback sports and delighted in watching daughter, Melodie, play in the Arkansas Razorback Marching Band for four years.
In addition to his parents, Michael is preceded in death by his son Michael Stephen Straughan, Jr. and daughter Stephanie Michelle Straughan Sims Williams. He is survived by his wife, Nancie; daughters, Sabrina (Jesse) Rich and Melodie (Brian) Craig; grandchildren, Bryce (Elaina) Sims, Brenon Williams, and Abagail Fruend; step-grandson, Dylan Rich; great-granddaughter, Eden Sims; half-sister, Julia (Tony) Mays, and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 from 5:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211, (501) 224-8300. Memorial services will be at 5:00 P.M., Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, 20900 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72223, with inurnment at the church's columbarium. A reception will follow the inurnment in the church's Welcome Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Adventures in the Arts program at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4423 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.
The family expresses sincere thanks and gratitude to the doctors and staff at St. Vincent Hospital, Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Hospice Home Care for their excellent care, love, and support.
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12 Condolence(s)
DW
Friday, July 29, 2016
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the words spoken at John 5:28,29
(28). "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice (29) and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment".
Steve Taylor
Friday, July 15, 2016
Michael was a very good guitar salesman (he sold me three during his time at Sigler Music), an excellent musician and teacher, a conscientious colleague in the workplace and--most of all--a great friend.
He'd been in mind a lot lately, even before I knew about his illness, because two of the guitars he sold me have undergone repairs recently. As the joy of playing them has been renewed, so have memories of Michael and his deep love of music and the joy of making it. Years later, I'm grateful that he encouraged and facilitated those purchases, and playing them triggers memories of him.
I'll never forget the shock and wonder when he first opened a huge drawer in his cubicle at work to reveal hundreds of blues CDs packed in neat rows--an amazing collection of music he so loved. He also introduced me and lovely wife Cindy to the music of Michael Burks, the incredible bluesman from Camden who, like Michael, was taken from us far too soon. (As I recall, he sold Michael Burks some guitars, too!)
Michael was so proud of Melodie when she joined the Razorback marching band, and I remember meeting her at Sigler Music and thinking she had the same easy way with people as Michael.
One of the things I never thanked him enough for was the care and concern he and Nancie showed me, my wife Cindy and our Mom, Joyce, during my own fight with cancer years ago. We all so deeply appreciated it then and still appreciate that effort now. All three of us knew Michael, and we kept him our prayers through his illness. We'll keep his memory alive in our hearts...and, for me, every time I play one of the guitars he sold me.
William Troutman
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
We were so sad to hear that Michael had passed away. We had known him since 1978 when he and I worked in the Systematics data center in Seattle. I had worked on and off with him for several years here in Little Rock. God's speed, Michael.
Charlotte Oxley
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Nancie, I was so saddened to hear of the loss of Michael. May God give you the strength to get through this difficult time.
Barbara Rounsavall Rogers
Monday, July 11, 2016
My prayers and thoughts are with all of Michael's family. We grew up together in Tollville and I will always have great memories. God bless all of you.
Evelyn Adams
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Sending prayers for your family. Sad to know that Michael (Mike as we all knew him) is gone at this young age. He & my son Richard (Dick) went to HHS together & to Tech. I like remembering him sitting at our kitchen table visiting when they were young. We chatted often on Facebook during the last few years.
Kim &Shelly Light
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Nancie and Family,
We are sad to hear of Michael's passing. He will be missed in Heatherbrae. Heaven has a new Beautiful Noise.
Bob Boyd
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Today is my dad's birthday. He lived from 1884 until 1969 but to me, he is more alive today than ever before. This poem appeared today in my book of daily meditations.
The Weaver
My life is but a weaving between my Lord and me.
I cannot choose the colors He worketh steadily.
Oft times He weaveth sorrow, and I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper, and I the underside.
Not til the loom is silent, and the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas, And explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful In the Weaver’s skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver In the pattern He has planned.
Jim Foot
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Nancie,
I was saddened to hear of Michael's passing. I have many memories of growing up with Michael in Tollville and playing in the band with him. Our prayers for comfort are with you in this time of sadness.
Jim & Lana Foot
Martha lammers
Saturday, July 9, 2016
Nancie and Melodie: we are so sorry for your loss. Michael was so much fun and he loved you both very much. Texas prayers are being lifted up for the whole family. Michael is playing in a heavenly band right now
Dwayne Dush
Saturday, July 9, 2016
When I think of Michael, I can see his smile and hear him talking about playing music. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
John Siebert
Saturday, July 9, 2016
Nancie, I am so sorry to hear this. You are in my thoughts and prayers! May GOD be with you and your family during this time.