Michael Murray Ware, 82

Graveside funeral services for Michael Murray Ware, 82, of Protem, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2024, at the Protem Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10 a.m. to noon, Friday in the chapel at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville. 

He died peacefully at Hospice of the Ozarks on Saturday, July 20, surrounded by his loving family.

Michael was born on Nov. 29, 1941, in Seattle, Washington, to James and Alice Ware. In his early years, he found joy and camaraderie as a member of the Jolly Rogers motorcycle club. In the early 1980s, he embarked on a new chapter in his life, leaving Washington State to pursue new opportunities.

Throughout his career, Michael found fulfillment in working with heavy equipment, particularly in the rock quarry and housing authority sectors. It was during this time that he met and married the love of his life, Opal Miller, in March 1985. Together, they built a life centered around family, hard work and shared passions.

Upon retirement, Michael embraced his hobbies with enthusiasm. He found solace and enjoyment in fishing, hunting and raising rat terrier and beagle pups. A skilled craftsman, he pursued interests in gunsmithing, iron fabrication, working on Jeeps and woodwork. However, above all else, Michael cherished spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren Kadence, Khylin and Addylin, who brought him immense joy and pride.

Michael will be remembered for his kind heart, strong work ethic and unwavering dedication to his loved ones. His legacy of love, laughter and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Opal Ware; his children: sons Tod Ware and wife Elizabeth of Arlington, Virginia, Lance Ware and Rick of Arlington, Texas, Lester (Buddy) Ware and wife Tela of Thornfield, and daughters, Hazel of Arlington, Illinois, Goldie of Leon, Kansas, Leslie Hurst and husband Eddie of Flippin, Arkansas, Emma Purifoy of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Jennifer Miller of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; along with many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Services are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Homes in Gainesville.