Ellen, Bambi, Dorothy, Margie, & Mike circa late 1970's.

It has been one year since Mike's passing.We always keep him in our minds.Our most sincere sympathies to his Family and Friends.Our prayers are with You All.We will always remember Mike's friendly spirit,very hard working and with a smile across his face.It was an honor to know him for so many years.We know he is with Our Lord.

My deepest sympathy for Dorothy and the rest of her family on the lost of Michael. Michela was a kind and friendly person. May he rest in peace. 
Princesse'

Wallace, Mike, Wayne, and neighbor (Rodney) at Chase Apartments in Columbus Georgia, circa 1968.

I believe Mike was in Middle School when this picture was taken.

Mike entering Margie's Pub going to see his girlfriend, Dorothy. What good times we had at Margie's Pub!

Dorothy, it broke my heart when David told me about Mike’s passing. Friends since middle school, Mike was one of the sweetest guys that I have ever known. He had such a sweet smile and kind heart.  
Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

Dorothy, I was so sorry to hear about Mike. It’s so hard to believe. I see that you have 4 grandchildren! Hugs and prayers to you and Brittany and Brooke. I know you all will miss him but we will all be reunited one sweet day in heaven!!!
Love, Sherri and Gary Bramlett

Dearest Dorothy and Family,

We did not learn of passing until today. Or else we would be at his service. From Dad he spoke of Mike as man of integrity, character and a godly husband and father. All of you are so blessed to have him in you family.  His love will endure forever in your hearts. He is waiting for all of us at his Heavenly home.
Love,
May and CF

Michael Napier was a good man, a loving, caring, dedicated husband and father. His loyalty to his family, wife and children was unquestionable. He worked hard all his life, strived to support his family and provide for all their needs, no matter what. He was kind hearted, faithful, and generous in nature. He loved community. He lived his life with purpose, and leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love. God rest his soul.

I am writing this after having surgery I don’t mean it to be sloppy. I broke my neck earlier in the week and found out the day that I was to have surgery that Michael Ray had passed, and it broke my heart. All I could think about was Mike and Dorothy. I’m so sorry for your loss Dorothy.                                              I’ve known  Mike since our early teens, we grew up in the same neighborhood and only became friends around 14 or 15 in high school. We had something in common. We both hated high school we never went. God knows that we both graduated. We remain friends throughout our life through the good and bad. Mike was always protective of those he loved. He had the kindest heart. But yet he was so tough. He helped me in times of despair as I did him. Although when he met Dorothy, he didn’t have many times of despair. I did for sometime, but Mike was always there. He once gave me a job to work with him at his pool company because I didn’t have a job. It was before I got married, and my wife straighten me out. My job was to ride around with him in the truck. All day all I did was go get him a screwdriver pair of pliers, whatever he needed. and he paid me more than anybody who worked for him. God bless him. After a few weeks of that, I could not let him continue it, so I went out he got a job. He myself and David Reed spent some time together six months or so ago at David’s house we sat at a table and talked about old times. It was so much fun. I think it moved all our hearts that we were still so close after all these years, it certainly did mine. alwaythere for his friends and I know he was there for his family. He was a lifelong friend that I will miss forever. if I could write more, there’s so much more about Mike that needs to be said. He was a quiet man, but I surely learned a lot from him and I will carry it with me until I see him again. I’m praying for you  Dorothy and your family. Praying for Wayne and Wally as well.

Mike with his best friends from high school. Hell raisers, but decent young men.

Our most sincere sympathies for all members of Mike's Family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you  All during this difficult time.He was a very special person.God Bless You All Now and Forever. Jaime/ Fe Vivas.

I was Mike’s shadow growing up. Everywhere he went, I went. Even when I was expressly NOT invited to tag along, I hid behind trees & cars while following him so I’d eventually end up wherever he was going anyway.
Mike was everything I wasn't—coordinated, smooth, & smart. Boys wanted to be him, & girls wanted to be with him. 
Everything Mike said to me was gospel. Once, he taught me how to fend off an attacking dog: “Look cross-eyed into its eyes to confuse it.” Did he expect me to use this bit of wisdom in a time of crisis? I never asked. I stored it away as a surefire survival tip & on one occasion, I used his sage advice. And believe it or not, it actually worked! Not exactly the way he’d said or the way I’d hoped, but it did work! …Onlookers who saw me thrusting my face into the face of a raving mad German Shepherd thought I was confused or having some sort of epileptic seizure & so they all ran to my rescue. Either way, I was saved so…Thanks, Mike!
Come to think of it, as the youngest of 4 boys growing up without a Dad, most everything I learned about life, I learned either directly from Mike or while in his vicinity. Being 4 years younger, there was a big difference in maturity between us & so I watched & emulated him & his friends carefully. I believe for the most part I was successful, at least they didn’t give me too hard of a time. Thus, I grew up quite early & did a lot of things that kids my age probably shouldn’t do, but Mike kept a watchful eye out & made sure I was okay.
After high school, I joined the army & moved away so my life changed drastically. I lived in a foreign country & had to learn to get by in new surroundings with different people. This is when Mike’s “life lessons” really saved me. I used my mimicking & adaptation skills & I was able to get by just fine.
So…THANK YOU again, Mike, for all of your help along the way. You’ve been a great mentor & I will always look up to you Big Brother & Good Friend. I love you very much always & forever.

Pritchett's Fish Camp
L-R: Mike, Shelley, Cindy, Jamie, Wayne, Wallace, Nettie, MamaWatson (Susie)

Wayne, Windell, Wallace, Michael (Sept. 1963)

OBITUARY

Michael Ray Napier

10 May, 1959 – 19 June, 2024

Striffler-Hamby Mortuary - Phenix City

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