of Little Rock, AR
December 29, 1953 - April 20, 2025
John Michael "Mike" Page, age 71, met His Maker on April 20th, Easter Sunday, surrounded by his loving family on the very day that gives us the hope of Heaven.
Mike was born in Starkville, Mississippi, but lived many different places throughout his childhood as his father was a Chaplin in the Air Force. He attended Airline High School, where he met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Debbie. They married in 1979 and spent their life raising six beautiful children together in the rolling hills of Ferndale, Arkansas. He built a house with his own two hands and a home where everybody wanted to be. Resilience, deep faith and countless belly laughs filled the walls and the hearts of anyone blessed enough to have been there.
Mike lived his life as an open book and built relationships that went far beyond the things of this world. He listened intentionally, without judgement and offered wisdom that he learned over his many years of walking with Jesus. Through trials and triumphs, Mike was steadfast in his life journey. Ever anchored by his certainty he didn't walk alone, his impact was vast (just like the creation glory he so enjoyed).
"Papa Page" was a kind-hearted and humble man whose presence brought comfort, wisdom and strength to those around him. He believed deeply in living authentically and encouraged others to believe in themselves, always reminding us to hang on tight to The Lord (and to your hats if he was driving the boat).
Mike generously gave with grace and made everyone feel seen (and understood) with those piercing eyes of his. He offered fatherly guidance and a deeply kind smile not only to his own children, but to countless others who were fortunate enough to know him. Mike was a listener, a steady shoulder to lean on and one of the most genuine people you could ever meet. His favorite saying, "God is the potter and you are the clay" reflected the way he lived his life, with purpose and trust and pursuit of the higher things.
Alongside his beloved wife, Debbie, Mike owned and operated a carpentry business where he taught, mentored and led with integrity. He found joy in life's simple pleasures: running, playing pool, hiking Pinnacle Mountain (at an insanely early hour), spending time with his 9 grand children, enjoying lake days, riding his "sick hawwwwg" and traveling in the RV. He savored the beauty of God's creation and it was where his soul was restored.
Above all, Mike's legacy is one of love, humility and unwavering support for those he cared about.
Mike is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Betty Jean Page and his son, Michael Ryan Page. He is survived by his father, William G. Page; loving wife of 46 years, Debbie Page and their children, Angie & Stacey Stafford (Mahlon & Georgia), John & Mary Ann Page (Paxton, Annaleigh, June, Marylane & John Quincy), David & Coley Page (Weston), Matt & Ale Page (Emma), Amy Page and sisters, Connie Hayes and Gail Millward and brother, Stephen Page. He also played a meaningful role in the lives of his many nieces and nephews, offering guidance, laughter and a deep sense of belonging. Mike "Papa" Page sewed his life into the lives of others and the harvest will continue to be as beautiful as those sunrises he loved so much.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a charitable donation to the Mike Page Memorial to be located at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, a place Mike deeply treasured.
Checks can be made payable to Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation P.O. Box 7756 Little Rock, AR 72217, with Mike Page Memorial noted in the memo line.
Donations can also be made online at: www.arparksfoundation.com/pages/support/.
Visitation will be at New Life West Church on Friday, April 25th from 6-8pm. We will celebrate the life of a legend at New Life West on Saturday, April 26th at 11am. We hope you will join us.
Our world lost a wonderful person, but God gained another wonderful carpenter. My family has know Mike for now almost 20 years. I have had the pleasure of meeting almost all of his children, and he talked so much about Georgia that I feel like I have met her as well! Almost 20 years ago, Mike's son, John, was referred to me to replace some windows, but he didn't have the time, so he referred me to his father and a long friendship began. I soon afterwards met Angie, who planted my seasonal flowers for years, and I got to meet "her big man" Mahlon when he was just a baby. I was lucky to meet Mike's son Micheal Ryan, and I know they are overjoyed to be reunited again. And most recently I got to meet Amy who helped her dad with another project at my house. What a lovely legacy Mike has left with us all! I will miss him so much!
I've known Mike for 40+- years when he would work on my rental houses. I have "NEVER" met such a wonderful and honest person in my life. He will be missed so much and wish I could have spent more time with him and his stories that he would share with me especially about his family and trips with Debbie on his motorcycle.
It has been a long time since High School and you couldn’t ask to meet a nicer person than Mike. I never heard my talk down to anyone. Though we never hung around together I always considered Mike as a friend.
Mike was a good and decent man. We had many similar interests. And we suffered similar losses. Even while ill he reached out to provide comfort upon the death of my son Jon. I will always hold his memory and friendship within my heart.
Mary and I are praying for comfort for the Page family. Our son John was able to become the craftsman that he is because of the mentoring and skills that he learned under this Godly man. May you rest in the knowledge that you will be with him again in the future.
I met Mike early in his career when he did some work for me. He always a great job. I feel very blessed to have known him and sadden by his passing. Praying for his family.
The Pledger Family sends condolences to the Page Family. We are thinking about the Page family during this time and sending lots of love.
Jim and I are so saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He and Matt have done work on our home for several years. Mike was always a joy to visit with. His faith came shining through. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
The Marsh family sends condolences to the Page Family. Mike did our kitchen cabinets, with diligence and expertise. Mike was everything the above obituary says, and more. A fine Christian man.
In the early years of my career as a radio/tv journalist and personality, I had chosen to stay at home and raise my children. It was the early 90s, and I quietly left my career. No one really noticed. Except for Mike. He stopped me one day as I was getting in my car and said, "You don't know me, but I know what you did. You left your career to stay at home with your baby." (I had a 1-year-old at the time). I felt seen, as they say. It was a HUGE DOSE of encouragement for a gal who was scoffed at for not following the status quo of trying to stay relevant. It was just what I needed that day, and I'm crying now as I type this. He was a stranger to me, but someone from outside my bubble recognized the important work of a stay-at-home mom. He told me that he and his wife had six children and what a beautiful job they did raising them. I'll never forget that encounter.
A happy, rewarding, blessed life, as he has touched others in his life, my daughter included and I am thankful and indebted for.
Mike was a very special man-we knew him thru the water volleyball games he’d come play at Parkway Village. He brought joy and a wonderful sense of peace to all of us. He will truly be missed.