Michael Odis Briley succumbed to cancer on his birthday, December 27, 2019 at Baptist Health Center in Fort Smith, AR. He was 57 years old. Mike fought a very noble battle against lung cancer during the previous eleven months.
Mike was a graduate of Spiro High School and East Central University (ECU) in Ada, OK. He met his bride, Dana Cooper, in Ada and they were married in November 1984. After graduation from college with a degree in PreMed, Mike attended Medical Technology School, at Valley View Hospital in Ada and graduated in 1988. Mike served his entire professional career as a Medical Technologist with Sparks Hospital, now known as Baptist Health Center, in Fort Smith. As a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Fort Smith, Mike faithfully served in the prayer room ministry. Mike’s hobbies and interests included golf, metal detecting, coin collecting, and fishing. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Mike was preceded in death by his Dad and Mom, Jack and Erma Briley of Spiro, OK. He leaves his wife, Dana Briley of Fort Smith; three children, Chris Briley and wife Megan of Midwest City, OK, Hannah Leslie and husband Eli of Van Buren, AR, and Kayla Bruso and husband Cameron of Fort Smith; his twin brother, Col (USA Ret) Pat Briley and wife Stacy of Rogers, AR, brother, Col (USA Ret) Jack Briley of Pinehurst, NC, brother, John Etter and wife Janice of Fort Smith; six grandchildren; and ten nieces and nephews.
Services will be 1 PM Tuesday, December 31st at First Baptist Church in Fort Smith, led by Pastor Dale Thompson. Visitation will be 5 PM till 7 PM Monday, December 30, 2019 at Edwards Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Pat Briley, Chris Briley, Eli Leslie, Cameron Bruso, Matt Horne, SGM (USA Ret) John Etter Jr, Jay Cuellar and Billy Doyle.
Honorary pallbearers include Jack Briley, John Etter, Zac Briley, Dalton Woodward and Miles Horne.
Internment will be at Spiro City Cemetery next to his parents and grandparents.
