Submitted with love by his Mama and Daddy
Michael was the youngest of three children and the only son. He left us on May 14‚ 2004 while responding to a First Responder call a week before his High School Graduation. He was 18 years old. He is missed more than words can say‚ though his testimony and memory will live on forever.
Michael was a Volunteer at Ebenezer for 3 years and a First Responder for 1_ years. He joined as soon as he was old enough. Though he wasn’t crazy about High School he looked forward to continuing his education to secure a degree in Fire Science and attending the Fire Academy in Columbia‚ SC. He wanted to be a Fire Chief in a large city.
Michael worked at a local grocery store (Quality Foods) part time. Prior to joining the Fire Department he raced Motocross‚ something he and his Dad loved doing together. He was a country boy that loved country things‚ wranglers‚ roper boots‚ t-shirts and baseball caps. Fishing with the guys and drinking Mt Dew.
He had a smile that lit up the room and he always had one‚ he loved life. Following is a poem written by a lady that knew him his whole life. (Sandy Miller) It defines the kind of guy he was.
He lived his life as though he could make a difference.
He did.
Whether he was working on his job‚ hanging out at the fire department‚ or being with family or friends‚ Michael made a difference in all our lives.
He loved God as though his witness would change our lives.
It did.
Whether he was singing in the youth choir‚ going on mission trips‚ reading the Word‚ or witnessing to friends‚ we saw God in all he did.
He volunteered as a firefighter as though he would become a hero.
He did.
Putting his own safety in second place‚ Michael thought of others first. By sacrificing his life to help others‚ Michael will always remain a hero in our hearts.
Michael was dearly loved by all he came in contact with. We did not realize how many lives he had touched until his accident. He was an extremely caring‚ hard working person‚ always giving of himself to help others. It was not surprising he loved being a Firefighter.
He leaves behind his parents‚ Mike and Margie‚ a sister Tyanne Martin‚ a sister Heidi Madden and her husband Phil‚ one nephew Nathan Madden‚ and Firefighter Brothers across the United States of America.
We met at the Memorial in Oct. Our son, Matt, was the same age as Michael. Jana and Jim McCourry were with us at the ceremony. All of us enjoyed visiting at your hotel on Sunday evening. Would love to hear how you’re doing. It will soon be two years for us and we still miss Matt every day. I know you understand how we feel. Sincerely, The Brimers
– Kathy BrimerMiss you so much buddy! Love You Always, Mama
– Margie MartinJust thinking about you today. We missed you at the Memorial Weekend this year. Sorry we have not stayed in touch. Let me know how you’re doing.
– Kathy BrimerThanks for the message you left in December. It was so good to hear from you! Yes, November is so hard for us. The holidays are very difficult, too. I would like to hear how you celebrated the holidays this time. We were talking with our friends, Jim and Jana McCourry, recently about the families that we met last year. Of course, your family was mentioned. It was a relief to talk to another mother who has been through the same thing. You were such a big help to me. You are in my prayers tonight. Keep in touch.
– Kathy BrimerI am proud to call you a friend and 1 of the best employees to have worked for me (we said that even before you died). When I wonder why God would have taken you so young and such a great person, I am reminded that it was so the Father could be glorified, and He was. I cannot wait to spend eternity with you and we really miss you!
– Dwayne T. HallI miss my friend Micheal! ❤️❤️
– Kayla roperFrom riding your dirt bike in the back yard while my dad worked on your parents deck to being on the same baseball team to skipping school to go get a CB Radio for the ole brown truck to high praises together to quality foods driving your moms mustang in the snow. Your friendship is still something I keep close to this day. 15 years has gone by so fast. Miss you buddy.
– Andrew SNot a day goes by that we don’t think of you. We love and miss you so much!!
– Kristan MitchellMichael you are forever loved and missed.
– Gatlin BurtonI will always remember you for your love for God, your devotion to your family, your integrity, your crazy laugh and how in the world you broke both your legs on that dang dirt bike in Middle School … Love ya dude! I’ll see ya again one day!
We did not know Michael personally – but have heard so many wonderful things about him from many in our community. Our son in law, Travis, always speaks
– Wiley and Darla Powellhighly of Michael. We sure do love his
Parents! we appreciate all Michael did while on This earth – and look forward to meeting him in heaven!