Michael Earl Sunday

Michael (Mickey) Earl Sunday went to his eternal home on Tuesday, August 25th at the age of 80. He was born in Mexia, Texas on January 5, 1940. He married Essie Vernell Sunday on May 19, 1967. They were married for 53 years and had one child, Debra Lynn Sunday Eastland and grand-dogs Kiaya, Abigail and Matilda.
As a family, we are comforted knowing his soul and his body are at peace. He was a devoted son, husband, father, brother, bonus Dad (to Steve and his wife Terrie), father-in-law (though he considered my husband Mark as his own), brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin, advocate for the mentally challenged, role model for so many, and treasured friend. Daddy was all these things and so much more. To try and list everything he was here would be a disservice as it’s simply impossible. He never met a stranger and had friends from all walks of life.
He loved music and passed this love on to his daughter. He loved everything from Elvis Presley and The Platters to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. He had a special fondness for Bill Booth’s Rock and Roll Freight Train every Saturday night on KNES 99.1.

Daddy loved Colorado, especially Colorado Springs. We spent several vacations there when I was a child. He also loved the beach. We spent some twenty-odd years going to North Padre Island National Seashore. In fact, we were planning another trip in October 2020.

Daddy spent most of his entire adult life advocating fiercely for the mentally challenged at Texas MHMR/Centex ARC, serving as Executive Director for 30 years. He worked tirelessly for them, forsaking all else to make sure their needs were met. He instilled in me a love for those less fortunate and to always do my best to serve others and put their needs before my own. He received much more joy from giving than receiving. Maya Angelou said it best. “Your legacy is every life you have ever touched.” By that modicum alone, Daddy’s legacy is immense.

He taught me gratitude, humility, the virtues of hard work, love and respect for our God and our fellow humans, toughness and, no matter what, to never give up, especially on myself.

Daddy never met a piece of farm equipment he didn’t love. He treasured the land that farm equipment worked, knowing God had entrusted that land to him. He always remained a country boy at heart, even after moving to Bryan to help care for his chronically ill daughter. All who knew him know he is irreplaceable. Several people have said to me this week “they just don’t make ‘em like that anymore. He was such a good, kind man.” I’m inclined to agree.

While we as a family learn to navigate this new life without him, we humbly ask for your love, prayers, grace, gentleness, understanding, and forgiveness, as I’m sure we’ll have a few missteps along the way. We’ll live our lives, as he would want us to: always believing that things will improve, no matter the circumstance.
Finally, we must thank all of you who’ve been a part of Daddy’s life, in whatever capacity, during his 80 years on this earth. You made his life happier and more enjoyable just by being in it. God bless you, Daddy. We’ll see you again when God calls each of us home. What a glorious day that will be. Until then we’ll “keep it between the ditches” as you would say.