Michael L. McCandless

Michael Lester “Red” McCandless, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Jasper, Alabama, Dec. 15, 2020. Michael was a retired coal miner and decorated veteran who served in the Vietnam War.

Michael was born June 18, 1942 in Blytheville, Arkansas to his parents, Leland and Halle Marie McCandless. When he was just 17, Michael decided he wanted to join the Navy and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska.

Seaman McCandless discharged from the Navy and traveled the United States. During his time in Tennessee, he met and fell for Patricia Wyers, who he swiftly married March 13, 1965. Seaman McCandless then re-enlisted to fight in the Vietnam War. Patricia followed Michael across the United States to numerous Naval Bases during his service.

After settling in Oakman, Alabama, Michael secured employment with North River Number 1 coal mine in Berry, Alabama. Pat and Mike lived in Oakman and Jasper, Alabama raising four boys. When he wasn’t working, Michael had a passion for hunting and camping. He loved being outdoors, and enjoyed hours gazing at the Black Warrior River while at his vacation home in Parrish, Alabama.

Mike was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a brave and admirable sailor. He is survived by his wife, Pat; two of his sons, Michael Wayne McCandless and Sean Patrick McCandless; five grandchildren, Kevin Michael McCandless of Georgia, Timothy Leland McCandless II of Georgia, Cody Michael McCandless of Vincent, Alabama, James Richard McCandless of Decatur, Alabama and Meghan McCandless Osborne of Georgia; four great-granddaughters; and one great-grandson. Mike and Sean carry on Michael’s legacy in service. Mike is a Veteran of the U.S. Army and Sean followed in his father’s footsteps serving in the Navy.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Leland McCandless and Hallie Marie Bates, and two of his sons, Timothy Leland McCandless and Kevin James McCandless

There will be a service held at Patton Hill Chapel in Oakman Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with burial services at 11:00 a.m. The McCandless family welcomes any and all stories, photos, and memories that Michael’s friends and colleagues would like to offer.

Flowers are welcome at Kilgore-Green Funeral Home, 1200 Birmingham Ave, Jasper, Ala.