Michael James Utley

Michael James Utley, 56, passed away December 23, 2021, peacefully at home in Plano, Texas. Born January 8, 1965, to James and Betty Utley. Michael was deeply passionate about many things; the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Texas Rangers, music, games and politics.  All of those paled in comparison to his devoted love to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to his precious wife and three daughters.

Michael, who played violin into high school, was an avid music aficionado. Whether it was listening to Keith Green, Steve Camp, or Rich Mullins singing thoughtful and spiritually challenging songs, or Karen Carpenter (whom he declared had the perfect female singing voice), or many groups from the 70s and 80s, Michael could almost always recite the lyrics to you. He was a bit traditional and rarely liked a remake over originals.

A year-round sports enthusiast, he could be found cheering with other Steeler, UT, or Ranger fans. When he was younger, he was an active bowler who achieved three 300 games in league play.  Board games of all sorts were a constant in the Utley household when he was growing up and that tradition has carried all the way to his children.  He often talked of his tenacious drive to win at anything he tried, but even he laughingly admitted his daughter, Abby, has his drive with some to spare.

Five years ago, Michael’s life drastically changed when he and the girls were injured in a car accident.  Liberty was most critically injured, suffering a traumatic brain injury.  While we never understand why these things happen, Michael trusted God knew the bigger picture and it deepened his faith over the years as he and Shannon cared for her in the remaining three years of her life.

Michael had recently taken a role as small-group leader at his church at Cross Creek. True to his self, he did not accept the position without great deliberation and thought. Prayerfully he came to the realization both the Lord and his pastor must have seen something that he didn’t necessarily see in himself. He accepted the role with some apprehension but took on the challenge with earnest and loved the opportunity to more deeply study the Bible and then share what God showed him.

While his earthly ministry may have come to a conclusion, eternity has just blossomed in his eyes as he is reunited with his daughter Liberty.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, James Utley; mother, Betty Utley and daughter, Liberty Grace Utley.

He is survived by his wife, Shannon Utley; daughters, Lauren Utley and Abigail Utley; sisters, Sondra Pride (Ed), Terry Strawn (Dale) and Caryn Utley and many nephews, nieces and friends.

There will be an Afternoon of Remembrance from 3:00pm - 5:00pm on Sunday, January 2, 2022, at Allen Family Funeral Options.

The Funeral Service will be the following week at 1:00pm on Sunday, January 9, 2022, also at Allen Family Funeral Options Chapel with burial to follow at Fitzhugh Cemetery, 2450 Country Club Road, Lucas, Texas. The Service will be Live Streams and recorded for future viewing at: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/66027