Obituaries

Edward Joseph Michael

Photo of Edward Joseph Michael
Edward Joseph Michael Jr.,age 85, a resident of Newport, Ark., died on Friday, Aug. 31, 2012 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Ark. He was born on Feb. 8, 1927 in Pine Bluff, Ark.; the second child of nine to the late Edward Joseph Michael Sr., and Blanche (Carr) Michael. Edward graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1945, where he contributed to the Zebra football team as a guard. At that time, the Pine Bluff and Little Rock Central High Schools' rivalry was as big as Razorback football. He received a football scholarship from the University of Arkansas and played tight end/defensive end for the Razorbacks until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1946 and served in the Pacific theater. As a Private, he played football for the Army that culminated in the China Bowl Championship Football game in Shanghai, China on New Year's Day 1947. After he received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, he received a football scholarship from Arkansas Tech in Russellville, Ark. After lettering at Arkansas Tech his first year, the University of Arkansas invited him to return and offered him his scholarship again. Edward rejoined the Razorbacks and played for John "Barnie" Barnhill. Edward returned to Pine Bluff where he worked for the international Blaw-Knox Construction Company. He also met and married Anne Allbright on Feb. 14, 1952. In January 1953, they moved to Newport where he managed the "Gravel Pit" in Olyphant, Ark., for Allbright Brothers Construction Company. The next year, Edward returned to Blaw-Knox Construction Company to work on the Hanford Nuclear Project in Richland, Wash. In 1955, they returned to Newport where he rejoined Allbright Brothers as an assistant superintendent, working with Wiley W. Allbright Sr. Edward formed JACO Construction Company in 1961 and was later joined by his brother-in-laws, Wiley and Walter Allbright. Edward served as the president and chief financial officer (CFO) of JACO for over 50 years. He never forgot what it was to be a working man; his commitment to JACO and its employees exhibited dedication and caring of his workforce and their families. JACO continues today under the leadership of his son, Edward Joseph Michael III. Edward demonstrated his love and commitment to his community by serving on the Newport City Council where he worked to start the city Season of Lights Christmas display. He was a faithful member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry, including a term as junior warden. Edward was an avid golfer and an original member of the Round Table that meet at Kelly's Grill. He lived by the belief that he never forgot anything that was done for him and he always forgot what he did for others. Husband, brother, father, friend, Edward J. Michael Jr., was genuinely loved and respected by others and he will be missed, but his love and influence will remain with those who loved him for the rest of their lives. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Joseph Michael Sr., and Blanche (Carr) Michael; his sister, Mary Nell Pope of Woodbridge, Va., and his brother Wendell Michael of Green Bay, Wis. Edward is survived by his wife of 60 years, Anne Louise (Allbright) Michael of the home; two daughters, Melody Anne Fortune and husband Mike of Newport and Dr. Deanna L. Michael of St. Petersburg, Fla.; two sons, Edward J. "Bubba" Michael III and wife Cindy of Newport and Wiley Anthony Michael of Little Rock, Ark. He was also blessed with three grandchildren, Edward Joseph Michael IV and wife Sara of Newport; Michael Anthony "Tony" Fortune and wife Lindsay of Fayetteville, Ark., and Madelaine Elizabeth Michael of Jonesboro, Ark. He was also survived by one brother, David Michael and wife Patricia of Pine Bluff, one brother-in-law, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Kermit Rudolf "Rudy" Pope of Woodbridge, Va., and five sisters, Delores DeMaine and husband Oscar of Pine Bluff, Gloria Daniel and husband Billy Pat of Dumas, Ark., Charlene Ferguson and husband Jerry of Bentonville, Ark., Margaret Hancock and husband Hershel of Sheridan, Ark., and Blanche Garner and husband Bobby of Pine Bluff, and a host of nieces and nephews. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Gary Browning, Joey Rhew, Dr. Joe David Smith, Roger Jefford, Ben Parker, Mike Spence, Travis Davis, and Michael Ray Spence. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Rhew, Howard Bise, Bill Fortune, and the Members of the Round Table. Friends may visit at the funeral Tuesday afternoon 5-7 p.m. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Wednesday at Jackson Funeral Home with Reverend Dr. Russell Snapp officiating. Interment will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Jackson County Humane Society and or St. Paul's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 301 Hazel Street, Newport, Ark. 72112. Arrangements by Jackson Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.

Published September 4, 2012

Upcoming Events