Joe Edward Michael

Joe Edward Michael, 67, San Tan Valley, Ariz., departed this life on April 14, 2013, in Mesa, Ariz. He was born on July 7, 1945, to Herman and Bessie Michael in Danville, Ark. Joe graduated from Danville Schools in 1963, enlisted in the Arkansas National Guard and served his time in the Arkansas National Guard 106th Army Band. Joe, a member of the Church of Christ, began leading singing at an early age. Joe always had a song and played many instruments. Joe attended Eaton Barber College and held his barber licenses for 48 years. Joe was a great barber, but his true expertise became transportation safety. He worked as a special investigator for the Arkansas Transportation Commission, safety director for Ryder Truck Rental, VP of safety and HR for PAM Transportation, safety director for Wal-Mart Stores Transportation and owner of Joe Michael Safety Consultants. Joe served on many national and state transportation boards, served as chairman of the Arkansas Trucking Association and served two terms as chairman of Arkansas Safety Supervisors. He was chosen as Arkansas Safety Supervisor of the Year in 1979 and 1992. Upon retirement in 2002, he and his wife bought a motor coach and RV'ed for four years. Never one to retire, Joe and Lynda started Rollin' Catfish Catering and opened Michael's General Store and Cafe in Florence, Ariz. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Pete Michael. Survivors are his wife, Lynda Kendrick Michael of San Tan Valley, Ariz.; two sons, Todd (Tysa) Michael of Bentonville, Ark., and Phillip (Rebecca) Michael of Henderson, Nev.; seven grandchildren, Madison Michael of Mesa, Ariz., Garret Lipford of Farmington, Ark., Taylor and Walker Michael of Bentonville, Ark., and Zach, Megan and Emily Michael of Henderson, Nev.; his mother-in-law, Eunice Kendrick of Danville, Ark. A celebration of Joe's life will be held at the Bentonville Church of Christ on April 20 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be April 19 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bentonville Church of Christ. Memorials may be made to Southern Children Home, P.O. Box 649, Morrilton, AR 72110.