Michael Read

Michael David Read, loving father of two daughters, passed away April 13, 2020, at the age of 53, at his home in Sherwood, Arkansas.

Michael was born February 16, 1967 in Gurdon, Arkansas to William C. and Brooksie D. Read. He graduated from Ole Main High School in 1985. He then went on to attend Arkansas State University- Beebe and obtained his degree from Pulaski Technical College. He worked in the Baptist Health System in the Little Rock/North Little Rock area for 25 years. At the time of his death, he was employed at Kroger in Cabot. He was a member, in good standing, of the Big Rock Masonic Lodge in North Little Rock where he served as Senior Warden. He was also a member of the Builders Sunday School class of Park Hill Christian Church where he was a member since he was six months old.

Michael’s life, though relatively short when compared to many, can be summed up by a characteristic of a couple of phrases: devotion to family and service to community. This is evidenced through his many hobbies, interests, and activities throughout his life.

Growing up he served his church as an acolyte, junior deacon, and deacon. He was also very active as a member of his church youth group and the DeMolay youth organization of the Masons. He served as a junior volunteer at Baptist Hospital where he earned the junior volunteer of the year at the age of 16. He also played the trumpet in the high school band and was a very skilled speed skater.

Throughout his life, Michael enjoyed and could often be found using his talent of painting to benefit others and working with plants. He also enjoyed spending time at his family’s deer camp in Gurdon. His greatest joy was spending time with his four grandchildren.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, William C. Read, Sr.; grandparents, Doyle and Tanie Davidson and T.C. and Sarah Read, of Gurdon; his four uncles, Doyle, Jr., Roland, Ross Davidson, of North Little Rock, and Paul Read, of Bastrap, Louisiana; and stepfather, Dewey Duncan. He is survived by his mother, Brooksie Read-Duncan; children, Courtney Read, Michaela (Billy) Sumerau; brother, William C. (Rhonda) Read, Jr.; four grandchildren, Gabe, Laycee, Lynnlea, and Hazel Sumerau; close family friend, Bill Benner; nieces, Lauren (Beau) Hall, Rebekah (Shane) Autry, and Allison Read; nephews, David Lee (Sarah) Damron and Daniel Read; his daughter’s mother, Lea Ellen Read; great-nephews, Jacob Damron and Ryder Read; aunts, Georgia Mea Lanham, of Culpepper, VA, and Nita Read, of Bastrap, Louisiana, and many cousins and friends that Mike thought of as family.

Due to Covid-19, a private service will be held by the family. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Rose Hedge Cemetery in Gurdon.

Donations may be made to Park Hill Christian Church or Big Rock Masonic Lodge in North Little Rock.