Michael Funderburg

Michael “Buster” Funderburg, age 76, of Alexander, Arkansas passed away peacefully at John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital on the evening of March 24, 2023 after a long battle with dementia. Michael was born in Monticello, Arkansas to James and Mabel Funderburg on April 17, 1946. He was preceded in death by both his parents and his brothers Kenneth and Sammy.

Michael attended Junction City High School where he shined as a superior athlete, excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Upon graduation, he immediately enlisted with the United States Marine Corps. He served with the Corps from 1964 to 1967, was deployed to Vietnam from 1965 to 1966, and rose to the rank of Corporal. After his military service ended, Michael joined the Little Rock Police Department. He began his tenure on the force as a patrol officer and culminated his 8-year career as a Vice and Narcotics Detective. He then went on to work for Stroman's Inc. in 1975, where he remained until his retirement as Personnel Director in 2015.

Michael was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and papa who lived an extraordinary life full of joy, love, passion, and  adventure. He married his soulmate Sheryl Stroman in 1967. Together they traveled the world to such remarkable destinations as Paris, Germany, Luxenberg, Yugoslavia, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, Grand Cayman, and most of United States.

Throughout their years together they never faltered in their love for one another. They remained each day as in love as the day they first met and never shied away from letting the world and their family know just how special they were to each other. Michael was also a proud patriot and always put others before himself whether they were family, friends, mere acquaintances, or complete strangers. He was a captivating storyteller, an avid cat lover, and enjoyed scuba diving, gardening, hunting, going to the ballet, and spoiling his wife, children, and grandchildren whenever he got the chance. All who knew him were touched by his incredibly generous spirit and his zest for life.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sheryl “Sheri”; his two sons, Sean (Jana) and Christian; his daughter, Ashley; and his six grandchildren, Larkin, Conor, and Piper Funderburg, Haven Linn (David), Maggie Pemberton, and Annalise Ellis. He is also survived by his brothers, Doyle, Bill (Marylou), and Jerry (Debbie); his sister, Jean Brown; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Michael will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Smith Little Rock Funeral Home (8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock). In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org) or The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/give). A private graveside service with full military honors will be held at a later date for immediate family only at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.