of Wilson, AR
May 24, 1953 - April 24, 2024
Michael Wayne Brigance, 70, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away on April 24, 2024.
Mike was born in Wilson, Arkansas, on May 24, 1953 to Reba Haynes and Joseph L. Brigance. He was the youngest of four siblings. Mike was a lifelong resident of Wilson. As a member of the first graduating class of Rivercrest High School in 1971, he attended Arkansas State University before coming back to Wilson to marry his high school sweetheart, Jamie Jo Ford. Together they lived life and loved each other while they raised not only two children, but a host of grandchildren. Mike went to work as a general insurance adjuster for the General Adjustment Bureau where he stayed until he opened his own company, NE-ARK Adjustment Company with Jamie in 1996.
Although Mike was not raised a hunter, he became one and learned to enjoy the hunt with his father-in-law, James Ford, as they chased quail across Northeast Arkansas. Truly an outdoorsman, Mike enjoyed hunting and fishing and most importantly, spending time with friends and family while enjoying the outdoors. His love of hunting, fishing and friends took him not only around Arkansas and Tennessee, but also to far flung places in Canada, South Dakota and numerous places in between. He may not have always caught the biggest fish or killed a monster buck, but he always came back with new friendships and renewed bonds of camaraderie. He knew what really mattered!
Whether you knew him as ''Burr'', Michael, Mike, or by his favorite moniker, ''Pop'', you knew that you could always count on him to bring the comic relief. It was sometimes difficult to discern his truth since he seemed to be able to tell a tale in any situation. Somehow he was ''The World's Greatest'' in almost every story! His joking nature brought smiles and laughter to countless faces.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jamie and their two children, Jill Brigance Meyer (Reynold) and Joseph Matthew Brigance (Christey McCormick). ''Pop'', his favorite name over the years, also leaves six grandchildren who have a treasure chest full of special memories, Matthew Chance Brigance, Caroline Haynes Meyer, Catherine Cashion Meyer, Joseph Eli ''Jeb'' Brigance, Mary Patton Meyer and Alvin Reynold ''Reyn'' Meyer IV. He leaves behind his sisters, Sandra James and Sharon McCullar (David) and brother-in-law, Steve Ford (Mary Ann). Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Randy.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2024 at Wilson First Baptist Church followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Rivercrest Alumni Association Scholarship Fund through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 or the Ronald McDonald Charities of Memphis, 535 Alabama Ave, Memphis, TN 38105.
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70 Condolence(s)
Alissa Noe
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
My condolences to the Brigance (Mrs. Jamie, Jill, and Matt) family! I remember the football and baseball games. Praying for understanding, strength, and peace for all of you at this time!
Kim Hardin
Monday, April 29, 2024
My condolences go out to Ms Jamie, Jill and Matt, Mike was such a nice, kind soul
Dotti Kimberlin
Monday, April 29, 2024
Jamie I was so sorry to hear about Mike. I pray God wraps his arms around you with His peace and love during this heartbreaking time. Know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Debbie Vines Vest
Monday, April 29, 2024
RIP Mike. Jamie Jo you and your beautiful family are in prayers . Love to all and prayers for comfort during this very sad time .
Gerald & Mary James
Sunday, April 28, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. Heaven gained another Angle. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Kay Kelley Young
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Praying for you Jamie Jo and your family.
Carol Carpenter Patterson
Sunday, April 28, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you as you journey through this difficult time.
Kenny Miller
Sunday, April 28, 2024
It is hard to say good bye to a friend. I was raised with Michael from around 6 yrs old in Wilson. He was always a good friend even though it’s been a while since I had seen him. I will say good bye to the old body, which will be severely missed, but know a new body is now on where there is no pain and want for anything. God bless his family and I will continue to pray for them.
Diane and PeeWee McCarn
Saturday, April 27, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Praying for your family!
Ronnie Bishop
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Sorry to hear about Mike. Condolences to Jamie and all the family and friends. RIP Mike.
Brenda Cissell Wallace
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Prayers for Jamie and all your family
Darline Letson Ralph
Saturday, April 27, 2024
I just heard, so sorry Jamie Jo, Matt and Jill. Wish that I could hug you . Mike was always a good friend to me all though school and beyond. Love to all of the family. We just lost our brother Bimbo, so I know how it hurts.
Keith Forrester
Saturday, April 27, 2024
On behalf of the Forrester family our deepest condolences are sent to the Brigance family. I learned a lot from the guy I sometimes called coco burr. Don’t know where that came from but he always liked it. I had a lot of fun in and around y’all’s house as a kid. He always treated me and mine like I was his. He will be deeply missed
Nancy (Tippy) Duncan
Saturday, April 27, 2024
All my love and prayers for all of you. I have many treasured memories of Mike and his family from my childhood. And such wonderful memories of Mike, Jamie and their children and special memories with Chance and Jeb. You all will be in my prayers. Rest in peace and love Mike.
Linda Warhurst
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Mikie was a mess. He loved a joke and making people laugh. He will be missed deeply.
Mary Ann Wilson
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Kelly Felts Hudson
Saturday, April 27, 2024
My deepest condolences to Mrs. Brigance, Jill, Matt and family. Sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Brigance . Growing up as neighbors I have a lot of memories of Mr. Brigance . He will truly be missed. So glad I was able to see him last year when I was in town. Much love ,
Kelly and family
Joyce welch Martin
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Jamie Jo and family, I'm so sorry to here of Mike's passing. May the lord wrap his loving arms around you all for peace and comfort. Mike was a great guy and my sister Laura is welcoming him into heaven with open arms. She thought so much of you, Mike and your family. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers precious, beautiful lady.
Albert Brown
Saturday, April 27, 2024
I am sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. I only coached him one year at Wilson but his attitude and personality left a positive and lasting impression. My sincere condolences.
Paula Allred Wiley
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Steve and I send much love your way Jamie- praying for your peace and comfort at this time and your whole family.
Lea Hedger
Saturday, April 27, 2024
So sorry for your loss. He will be so missed. Praying for you and the strength you will need.
Lance and Christie Brister
Saturday, April 27, 2024
We are very saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. We are so thankful for all the memories we have of the family and the memories Mrs. Jamie and Mr. Mike gave our children. They were all treated as family. You are all in our prayers
Don and Linda Burns
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Jamie our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Rest in peace POP. You will truly be missed.
James and Lynn Smith
Friday, April 26, 2024
May God grant Jamie Jo, Jill, Matt and your entire family peace, comfort, and memories of all the good times y’all shared. He would want it that way for sure. Love and prayers being sent from all.
Jackie Vaughn
Friday, April 26, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss Jamie, Jill, and Matt and your families. Mike was blessed on earth as he will be in Heaven. I was blessed with signs that Herschel was happy in Heaven. I hope you will feel the same. Sending you my love and prayers.
Judy Day Newsome
Friday, April 26, 2024
Love and prayers for your family, may god wrap his arms around in peace and comfort
Christie Carmichiel
Friday, April 26, 2024
Jamie I am so sorry to about Mike. Have you and all of your family in my prayers. Mike will be missed!!!
Ken Kennemore
Friday, April 26, 2024
Jamie, Jill and Matt,
I was so sorry to hear about Mike. He was a good friend to all. Always had a smile on his face and someone you just liked to be around. When I came back after college and started working in the insurance agency I called on him several times with questions and he would take the time to answer them and make sure I understood. The selfish part of us wants our loved ones to stay here but I hope you find some comfort knowing that he is in such a better place and in no pain. I want to think dad was there to welcome him home. I can’t be there Monday because the services for my father in law are at the same time in Marion. Please know you are in my prayers. Ken
Devon and justin Brister
Friday, April 26, 2024
Our deepest condolences and prayers to you during this difficult time may you find comfort
Portia & Larry Bell
Friday, April 26, 2024
Our deepest sympathies for all the family. I will miss seeing him during our morning walks.
Jennifer Johns Finley
Friday, April 26, 2024
RIL Mr. Mike, my deepest condolences to the Brigance family!! I am so sorry for your loss and will be sending my prayers!
Carol Rogers
Friday, April 26, 2024
My condolences is with the family
Bernard N
Friday, April 26, 2024
So sorry for loss Jill. Hugs and prayers to your family
Brenda Parrish (Wynne)
Friday, April 26, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of your loss . You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gloria
Friday, April 26, 2024
Mrs. Jamie and family. You and Mr. Mike were such a blessing to my family and so many so many others! Your support of the students and staff at Keiser Elementary will always be remembered. I pray strength and comfort to your family during this difficult time.
Peggy Watson
Friday, April 26, 2024
So sorry to hear the news of Mike passing. My late husband Jimmy thought a lot of Mike. Jimmy used to deal with Mike in the insurance business years ago. He was a very kind and thoughtful person. Losing someone is so very hard and difficult. My thoughts and prayers go out to you in this most heartbreaking and difficult time.
Pam Harshman
Friday, April 26, 2024
Mike never met a stranger. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met. Hugs and prayers for his many friends and family.
Chico Fletcher
Friday, April 26, 2024
Rest In Glory
Catie Lutt
Friday, April 26, 2024
Thoughts and prayers. Mike was always amazing to talk to while hunting and our visits down to AR.
Rhonda Ralph
Friday, April 26, 2024
Ms. Jamie Jo, Jill and Matt I cannot express how very sorry I am for your loss. Sending love and prayers to you all during this time. Much love, Rhonda
Barbara S Weaver
Friday, April 26, 2024
Sending my deepest sympathies to the family. Jamie, I'll be praying for you my sweet friend.
Jerry Henry
Friday, April 26, 2024
I love you Pops
Gene Horton
Friday, April 26, 2024
So sorry for your loss Jamie. Praying for you and your family. When I was younger Mike would come over and play catch with me. Very fond memories of him.
Danny Graham
Friday, April 26, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Praying for family and friends during this time.
Ricky Rogers
Friday, April 26, 2024
He was a good man an friend. I am going to miss seeing him. I send my prayers for family!
Judy Watson
Friday, April 26, 2024
Jamie and family. I’m so sorry to hear of mikes passing My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you during this most difficult time
Phyllis Scissell Lloyd
Friday, April 26, 2024
Thanks for memories back at RHS Burr! Love and blessings of comfort to Jamie Jo , family and friends!
Terry Farish
Friday, April 26, 2024
Mike was a great person that I had the pleasure of getting to know, he was always laughing and greeted everyone with big smile, Mike I will miss your friendship, rest in peace my friend.
Peggy Vaughn Brewer
Friday, April 26, 2024
Many prayers for all of his family and friends. Mike was a such a great friend to me and will be missed dearly.
Judith Chiles
Friday, April 26, 2024
Sending healing prayers to the family. So sorry to hear about this
Craig. Holley
Friday, April 26, 2024
One of the best men I’ve ever known.
Gloria Gueydan
Friday, April 26, 2024
I know he will be missed but he is enjoying the presence of the Lord. God will take care of you.
Roger and Vickie hensley
Friday, April 26, 2024
Sorry for your loss. A good person and very special family man. A good friend also.
Gerald Wilchie
Friday, April 26, 2024
You have my deepest sympathy I'm praying for you and your family
Jerry Stewart
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Rest in Peace, Mike..
Marla Fergus
Thursday, April 25, 2024
I'm so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I pray God will bring your family much peace and comfort now and in the days ahead. Marla Fergus
Earnest Brewer
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Jamie and family, I am so sorry, praying God grant you peace and comfort for you all
Lucy Overstreet
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Praying for all of you. May the LORD comfort you as you walk though this "valley of the shadow of death". Be sure to grieve as long as you need to.
love and prayers,
lucy
Lucy Overstreet
Elizabeth Slack
Thursday, April 25, 2024
I'm so so sorry for your loss, everyone will be in my thoughts & prayers. I love yall
Mike and Mary Ann Carson
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Our hearts go out to you all on the loss of this wonderful man. Know we are thinking of you all and praying for peace and comfort. Love you all.
Jerry Stewart
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Rest in Peace, Mike..
Brandon Meadows
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Many thoughts and prayers for the family. Mike was a great man and will be missed by many. He was always one of my favorite people to talk with. Enjoyed my time around him immensely.
Mike raised a great family and that includes all of Jill and Matt’s many friends. Welcoming all and leaving us all better for our time around him.
Again many prayers for Jamie, Jill, Matt and his wonderful family.
Lowell Coffman
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Was saddened to hear about Mike's passing. Thoughts and prayers to Jamie, Jill, Matt and family.
Denise Eatmon Storey
Thursday, April 25, 2024
So very sorry to hear of Mikes passing. Mike was a good guy and will be missed. Prayers for Jamie and the entire family.
Kay Trenthem
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Jamie, Jill and Matt. Please know that I send you all my heartfelt sympathies. Mike was a great husband and father. A great friend to all. My love goes to you all.
Ashley Baker
Thursday, April 25, 2024
My deepest sympathy to the entire Brigance clan. Mikey will forever hold a special place in my heart. Mike and Jamie always felt like the surrogate Uncle and Aunt that lived down the street and were always there to help cheer me on alongside my parents. I have no doubt he lived an extremely loved life and I am so sad he’s gone, he will be missed.
Teresa Reynolds Hamilton
Thursday, April 25, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss! Praying the Lord’s peace and comfort is felt by all during this difficult time!!
Elaine Williams
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Sending our love, prayers and condolences to the Brigance family! Mike was a great friend and neighbor through the years! He was always so much fun to be around. May God send you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Elaine and Charlie Williams
Mike & Sandra Smith
Thursday, April 25, 2024
So sorry for your loss Jamie Jo, Jill, Matt and family! Sending prayers & love to all!
Dianna Holstead
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Jamie Jo I am so sorry for your loss!
Prayers for you and your children.