Michael’s Life
On behalf of the family, you are invited to join in both celebrating the life and mourning the loss of Michael Edward Stapp.
They say "the wildest colts make the best horses," and Michael lived every stride of that truth. A man whose faith in Almighty God was the foundation of everything he built, Michael loved fiercely: his beloved wife Ana of 40 years, his children Cassie and Josh, and the grandchildren who called him Pops.
That passion drove him to live life to its fullest in every endeavor. It drove him to coach championship youth sports teams, to build and lead a corporation as CEO and Chairman of the Board, to earn national recognition at every level of his career, and to write books testifying to the spiritual experience that changed his life forever. He was an all-star athlete in Memphis, a record-setting college scorer in Georgia, a National Manager of the Year in business, and a top producer at Omni Hotels. But, he would tell you none of it compared to standing before the Light of God.
His devout faith was present in everything he did and he truly lived by the quote, "Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was far superior to circumstance." Michael believed that something was the Spirit, and he spent his life proving it.
How best to share this story? What words truly capture one's spiritual essence and prevent misinterpretation? Michael would ask each of us to communicate and thoroughly understand each other with our inner spirit, to see behind the obvious with clear eyes, because things are not always what they appear to be on the surface. Michael had a unique spiritual understanding. He believed life is only lived in the present moment.
He was a man of deep faith who loved his family unconditionally, and his family loved him. He was a good and decent man, a devoted husband, loving parent, and proud grandparent, all cherished roles in his life. He provided for his family and shared his faith, his knowledge, and his strength. He sought to make things better. He lived his life to the fullest and had a remarkable journey.
May these words capture his legacy.
Obituary
Memphis Beginnings
Michael Edward Stapp was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on June 2, 1952. He was personified by the quote, “the wildest colts made the best horses.” Throughout his life he had highs and lows, like all people, but his highs far exceeded his lows.
From early in life Michael was curious, fun-loving, and excelled in athletics. From pitching a no-hitter to playing one of the Beatles, his youth featured many highlights and was filled with cheerful memories. He was an all-star youth basketball and baseball player, and was selected with a group of all-star youth baseball players in Memphis to play for Polar Kraft. They went undefeated and won the Memphis City Championship, beating St. Louis Catholic in the final series.
Michael's older brother, Al, started on the 1962–63 Memphis Kingsbury High School basketball team with his best friend Bobby Shelton, both seniors, along with Mike Butler, a junior. That team was ranked #2 in Tennessee, won the Eastern Division, and captured the Memphis City Championship. The team members had an influence on ten-year-old Michael. Inspired, one day he hoped to play not only basketball at Kingsbury, but also baseball and football.
And boy did he. In ninth grade, Michael Stapp was one of only two students at Kingsbury to start all three sports as a freshmen.
Finding His Footing
Kingsbury High School
Michael was a standout in all sports, but basketball was his primary focus. In Michael’s senior year, the 1969-1970 Kingsbury basketball team won 20 games, was runner-up in the Knights of Columbus Tournament, and won the District 29 Championship in Tennessee, beating the Shelby County North Champion, Woodstock, and also Tennessee's top-rated state team, Manassas. They went on to the Region and eliminated arch-rival Treadwell. One of the many Memphis newspaper clippings in his scrapbook said it this way: "Guard Mike Stapp for the Kingsbury Falcons drilled 6 straight free throws in the final 90 seconds to beat Treadwell 59 to 55. As a crowd of 2,500 watched, Stapp scored Kingsbury's final 10 points to melt a 55-48 Treadwell lead to pull out the victory. Stapp ended up with 23 points."
Michael was the leading scorer both his junior and senior year. High-point games included 31 points against B.T. Washington, 30 against Woodstock, 29 against Messick, 27 against Christian Brothers and also Whitehaven, 25 against Central and also White Station in a five-overtime Kingsbury victory, and 23 points against Manassas. Michael was First Team Memphis Delta, All-District, and All-Region.
Beyond athletics, he enjoyed having one of three lead parts in the high school production of Star Spangled Girl, portraying the part of Andy. He made the honor roll during the spring and graduated in 1970.
Years later, Michael enjoyed getting back together for a group email 50-year reunion with surviving team members and William Rhodes. He really enjoyed reminiscing about Kingsbury stories, basketball, and life.
Coming into his own
A New AdventureEmmanuel College
Michael was recruited in high school and accepted a basketball scholarship offer that included a job as Intramural Director of Student Athletics from Emmanuel College, near Athens, Georgia. He was Emmanuel's leading scorer in 1971 with a 23.8 scoring average. His high games included 39 points against Piedmont College on February 10, 1971; 33 points against Toccoa Falls College on February 23, 1971; and 32 points against both North Georgia College on December 5, 1970 and Central Wesleyan College on January 7, 1971. He was the team's MVP in 1971. He was so impressive. in his freshmen season that the University of Georgia (UGA) expressed an interest in him as a freshman.
Michael loved the experience of going to college out of state. While at Emmanuel, in addition to basketball, he loved going to Athens for UGA football games and concerts. Once he was called up on stage to dance with Marilyn McCoo of the 5th Dimension. He also loved going to Atlanta to see the Braves play and enjoy city attractions. He played Haemon in the college production of Antigone, made the honor roll during the spring quarter, and graduated with a Liberal Arts degree.
This may surprise some people who knew him in Texas but were unaware he was an athlete. The same can probably be said for people who remembered Michael playing basketball but were unaware of his life after basketball in Tennessee and Texas. Emmanel College later highlighted some of Michael’s accomplishments in an alumni article entitled, “His Best Shot.”
Memphis, Business and the Road to Texas
After Michael graduated, he moved back home to Memphis, where he and his big brother Al moved in together. Michael became interested in finance, banking, and business. His basketball competitiveness served him well. A Kingsbury parent offered him a job in a downtown Memphis financial corporation. He went on to work in a downtown bank and eventually for a business that had a management training program that brought him to Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1978. Corpus Christi means Body of Christ. He had a choice between going to Kansas City or Corpus Christi. He chose Corpus Christi.
When Michael arrived in Texas, the Corpus Christi store was performing so badly the only way to go was up. He assembled a stellar crew that included a beautiful, intelligent girl named Ana. He eventually married Ana, the love of his life. He felt blessed and destined.
There was a quote on Michael's phone that read: "Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dare believe that something deep inside of them is far superior to circumstance." To him, that something deep inside meant his spirit. Within three months under Michael's leadership, the store went from last place in the nation to first place. Michael was awarded the National Manager of the Year for 1979. In 1980, he again received the top National Achievement Award and was named one of five National Top Achievers.
Michael received trips to the Bahamas and Ambergris Cay, off the coast of Belize near the barrier reef, to go deep-sea fishing. Michael had an amazing experience as he looked out over the ocean waters after walking back to the sport fishing yacht through a graveyard on Ambergris Cay. He had stopped to pray at the feet of a life-size statue of the Virgin Mary. It is an incredible story.
As for the fishing, he caught a Blue Marlin and had it measured so a replica could be made in Miami and sent to his house, which is mounted in the game room. He gave the Blue Marlin to the local islanders to eat. Large tuna, barracuda, and a 12-foot tiger shark were also caught. The shark was released.
Building a Career
Spiritual Awakening
The most amazing experience of Michael's life occurred while he was driving down a highway traveling back to Corpus Christi from Houston. Michael promises this revelation to be true and that even skeptics would know it one day. Michael had an amazing out-of-body experience. His spirit left his physical body when it was summoned, by grace, to be before the Light of Almighty God. From that moment forward, the out-of-body spiritual experience changed and defined his life. After that experience he preferred to be called Michael, instead of Mike.
He felt called to write a book regarding the experience and had it published in New York. The book was titled FORCE WITHIN: THE BOOK OF LIFE. The publisher put excerpts of the book on the internet, arranged a book signing for Michael in a local mall bookstore, and said this about Michael's writing in the book's foreword: "Are you ready to live life as you want to live it? Michael the author of this thought provoking book says that all humankind is connected and this book is a message to humanity. Take control of your destiny, live your life to the fullest instead of merely existing. Once one discovers the spirit within themselves, separate from his or her physical body, he or she will be well on their way to a better quality of life. Michael calls on the churches of the world and every individual to share in his message calling for increased awareness, enlightenment, and discovery. Through Michael's testimony he hopes to help in the ever present struggle waged between good and evil which every person must overcome in their quest to find his or her inner soul." The family is giving away the last books. Ask for a copy.
Michael also felt called to write a second book titled THE BOOK OF LIFE. Live your life on earth in such a manner that in Heaven your name will be written in THE BOOK OF LIFE.
Reborn!
Making a NameMichael Enterprises and Business Career
Michael was blessed with a spiritual awakening, business experience and success, as well as competitiveness. He was driven to open a corporation as the majority shareholder, President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Directors. The corporation would eventually be named Michael Enterprises, Inc. A future mayor of Corpus Christi asked him to join the Chamber of Commerce. After 15 successful years, Michael decided to sell the corporation.
Being too young for retirement, Michael applied for a hotel management position with Omni Hotels and Resorts in Corpus Christi. He accepted Omni's offer to become their National Corporate and National Sports Manager for Omni Corpus Christi, which at the time was actually two luxury hotels a city block apart on Ocean Drive, operating as one hotel. The position was perfectly suited for Michael with his business and sports experience. One year Omni Corpus Christi had the top sales team in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and Michael led the sales team in production. That year Michael was nominated for Omni Hotels and Resorts Executive of the Year but lost to a manager from Indianapolis who graciously shared with Michael afterward that she thought he would have won because his numbers were better. While at Omni Corpus Christi for a decade, Michael earned at least 17 monthly individual sales plaque recognition awards as the top producer at Omni Corpus Christi. Those plaque awards are still mounted on a wall in his home.
Befitting Michael's sports and business careers, throughout his life he earned and was awarded numerous achievement and sports awards, and had many certifications and affiliations. He had professional and business relationships with politicians, religious, civic, and business leaders, as well as with sports and entertainment people.
Coaching & The Stapp Family Sports Legacy
Sports was a big part of Michael's family. He loved coaching youth sports and running “Stapp Camp” with his children. He never missed one of his kids’ games and frequently coached youth sports to great success. Just like Michael’s youths ports career, history repeated itself when he coached a select all-star youth baseball team, including his son Josh, to an undefeated season as the Texas Rangers. They too won a championship. After winning the city title, Michael inquired about taking the team into the local Little League to compete for the Little League World Series, but the Little League Director contacted Michael and said that parents in the league were complaining the team was just too good and it wouldn't be fair. The director shared with Michael, "You would think you were Casey Stengel and the team was the New York Yankees."
He and Josh also won a basketball championship together going undefeated with the Magic. As did his wife Ana coaching their daughter Cassie, in softball.
In his later years, Michael continued staying active in youth sports supporting his grandkids in their athletic endeavors and attempting to instill that same drive that led him to success not only in his athletics, but in all walks of life.
Passing Down His Passion For Athletics
Faith Above All
Even with so much success, Michael would say all his sports awards, business achievements, and relationships combined together did not compare to his spiritual experience, by grace, with the Light of God. The sports awards and business achievements gave him the opportunity to witness to others what was really important in life: to accept, believe, and follow the teachings of God's only begotten Son, Jesus, and through your spirit within, seek and find the Holy Spirit of God, the Creator. To truly know God you have to know God in spirit. See John 4:24. The ultimate reward awaits the truly faithful: Eternal Paradise.
Michael literally believed all the written and spoken words throughout all time would fall short of the glory of Almighty God, and also not adequately express Michael's belief, faith, and love for God, the Creator and Ruler of the Universe, Heavens and Earth, and all therein. He truly believed Jesus to be the only begotten Son of God, who taught humankind about God, the Kingdom, and each other. Michael loved Jesus as his Lord, Savior, and Teacher. There is so much he would have loved to share and witness with each individual, as well as collectively with humankind. He is eager to share with you all when we meet again.
Glory to GOD and His Only Begotten Son, JESUS
His True Passion in LifeMichael’s Beloved Family
Michael placed enormous importance on his beloved and happy family. It would be difficult for him to put into words and keep short his feelings of each family member. He could fill the pages of another book. Briefly, he would share these thoughts on each:
Michael loved Ana. She completed him. She changed his life, and he would always say she was his better half; a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher. They shared a happy and blessed life together for 40 plus years. Saturday nights remained date nights for them, eating steaks, lobster rolls, and watching Hallmark movies together with their pets.
Michael loved his daughter Cassie. Although competitive and independent like he was, he was always there for her. Cassie accomplished many things to make him proud, but in his spirit she was always his little girl.
Michael loved his son Josh. He believed in and supported his son's dreams; not just that Josh became a successful attorney, but just because Josh is Josh. Michael had a special place in his spirit for Josh. They were as close as could be. He felt Josh was the best son a man could ever have, and he could never have a better son.
Michael had unconditional love for his wife and children.
Michael was also proud of Cassie's and Josh's spouses. Both good people and successful. Cody, a Captain with the fire department, and Mariam, with a company in Michigan. They completed Cassie and Josh.
Pops, as the grandchildren called him, loved them all dearly and was so proud of each one. Hunter, the oldest, with whom Pops had a special, close, fond relationship. They took many trips to Toys R Us and shared a love of sports and sports memorabilia. He thought Hunter to be smart and athletic. Pops thought Hudson was bright and intelligent, and felt like he could go to Hudson for technology questions in the future. Hailey Bear, as Pops called her, was very special to Pops. He was very proud of her. She was precious to him. Hailey was Pops' favorite cheerleader. And then Savannah, who was such a bright, artsy, outgoing, cute little girl. Pops was looking forward to getting to know her better in the future. Pops was also blessed with the knowledge that a new addition to the family was coming, with Josh and Mariam expecting a new baby soon. Pops was so excited.
Pops thought all his grandkids showed promise and were in protective hands with Cassie and Cody and Josh and Mariam. He looked forward to watching the grandkids grow up and rewarding each of them with incentives for achievements.
Family Traditions & Holidays
Michael loved sharing holidays with the family. Easter, and hunting Easter eggs and having fun in the park behind the house. The 4th of July, and walking over to the bayfront and watching fireworks over the bay. All the festive meals and barbecue, and especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. The family loved going back to Memphis for many special Thanksgiving weekends with Michael’s sister and her husband. Tommy and Sharon were great hosts in Memphis, and the family loved visiting Grandmother Stapp. They took the family to many attractions in Memphis, Nashville, Mississippi casinos, Kentucky, and Branson, Missouri. They went to shows, played golf, and jet-skied across Table Rock Lake.
After Josh moved to Michigan, the family also loved sharing Thanksgiving in Berkley, with Josh, Mariam, Savannah and family. Mariam and Josh were also such great hosts and always planned such fun events for Michael and Ana. They traveled to Frankenmuth and Canada, always took in beautiful sights around Detroit and experienced things together as a family. Michael loved family Thanksgiving dinners and watching the Dallas Cowboy and Texas Longhorn football games during the holiday.
And oh, how he loved celebrating Christmas with the family and keeping family traditions alive; pictures of Cassie and Josh with Santa every Christmas, reading the Christmas story from Luke, Chapter 2, attending the Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol, their own “Texas” snowball fights in the park, hanging up the stockings (including one for Jesus), and going to get a real Christmas tree with a fresh cut for 35 years. Decorating the tree and house and having cookies and hot chocolate. Giving and exchanging so many gifts, and seeing the grandkids' faces light up at the sight of so many gifts under the tree. Christmas was the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and be thankful for all the favors, blessings, and miracles in life. He believes Jesus is born of the Holy Spirit of God and the Virgin Mary, and is truly the only begotten Son of God.
Happy Moments!
Travel and Adventures
Michael loved to travel with the family. The family went to many theme parks when they were younger. Josh took him to see the Cubs play at Wrigley Field in Chicago, and also, along with Ana, to Boston to see the Red Sox play at Fenway Park, after both teams had won the World Series. Michael loved history and immensely enjoyed touring Boston with his family. He also felt blessed to see the Astros, Rangers, Dodgers, Braves, and Tigers play games in their home cities.
Michael and Ana loved visiting Josh when he lived in San Antonio and Austin, and also in Michigan with Mariam and Savannah. He felt Josh and Mariam to be such accommodating family people. Not only did they take Michael and Ana to see the Tigers play baseball, they also went to a Van Gogh Exhibit at TCF Center on the Detroit River across from Canada. They had a memorable pizza dinner outside on a patio deck during the rain. But the travels didn’t stop there, Michael and Ana also got to travel with Josh and family into Canada and across the pond to London, England. They had such a wonderful time together and made so many lasting memories. In the future, the family planned to go to Toronto and Niagara Falls.
The entire family went to see Hunter play with his youth flag football team for the Texas State Championship for his age group, which they won at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Michael also loved seeing the Cowboys play and the Texas Longhorns in particular. He was able to take a trip to the Texas State Fair with his family one year to see Texas play Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. He also got to see the San Antonio Spurs play many games, including the Chicago Bulls when Michael Jordan played.
One of Michael’s favorite family trips was when the entire family went to tour Denver. They took a shuttle through the snow-covered Rocky Mountains to Winter Park Ski Resort. What a trip that was. Michael also went with Ana, family, or friends, to Disneyland, Disney World, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Churchill Downs, and many beaches across the world.
Michael believed it was a blessing for all the family to be able to travel, whether he went or not, he was always happy for them to travel and experience the world. Josh toured Europe and Japan. Cassie and Cody went back to Costa Rica, where they honeymooned, and they go to Las Vegas every year. Michael loved hearing all the stories and was happy going anywhere with the family, even if it was just to go get hamburgers and ice cream on Saturday afternoons.
Living Life to Its Fullest
Extending Kindness Generosity & Animals
Not only did Michael and Ana provide for their family, they also donated to charities, less fortunate children, and directly to individuals with needs. They never felt it was enough but believed they, along with others who were blessed more abundantly, had a responsibility to less fortunate people, whether it was putting money in a bucket or making donations to charities. At the very least, they believed people of faith, blessed with more abundance, should pray to the Heavenly Father to comfort the less fortunate.
Michael loved animals and all the pets the family had over the years; the dogs: Daisy, Bentley, Bailey, and Brinkley; all the cats, namely Tink; Mikey the tortoise; and his horse in Memphis, aptly named Free Spirit. He had fond stories of the horses Barbaro, Ruffian, Seabiscuit, and Secretariat.
The current family pets include a macaw bird named Mr. Bird, the cats Dotty, Buddy, Two Socks, Gray, and his partner in crime, Dot; and the dogs Archie, Roxy, and Sadie. Pets give so much back. Michael would beseech all of us to be kind to each other and also the animals. He truly believed there is a circle of life.
Survivors and Those Who Went Before
Michael is predeceased by his parents, O.A. Stapp and Mary Ellen (Conn) Stapp, and his brother, Alfred (Al) E. Stapp.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ana Maria (Aceves) Stapp; his daughter, Cassie Ann Stapp Eyring (Cody) and grandchildren Hunter, Hudson, and Hailey Bear; his son, Joshua Michael Stapp (Mariam) granddaughter Savannah, and a future grandson or granddaughter.
He is also survived by his sister, Sharon Kay Stapp Lovelace, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Remembering Those Who Came Before
A Blessed Life
It is New Jerusalem Michael most wants to see. He wants to see each member of his family there, as well as the extended family of faithful believers throughout humankind, during the 1,000-year reign of JESUS and then in Eternal Paradise when Almighty GOD is on the throne, with JESUS at His right hand.
Yes indeed, Michael had an amazing, blessed life. He would say "blessed" when others said "lucky," because he believed lucky meant by chance and blessed meant by divine intervention. He was genuinely thankful and grateful for each moment of his life. When writing, he fully capitalized GOD and JESUS to show his respect for both, as was done here on his behalf.
Final arrangements were made as Michael requested. His final wishes called for a small private service for only his immediate beloved family.
In lieu of flowers, he asked that you please donate to the Corpus Christi Food Bank, the Corpus Christi Humane Society, or St. Jude Children's Hospital. Or simply give or do something directly for someone in need.
Whatever you decide, do for the glory of GOD. Thanks be to GOD, as JESUS teaches.
No Regrets
Until We Meet AgainIn His Own Words
Michael wishes to say thank you to each of the truly faithful who brought GOD's word and JESUS' teachings forward from the Garden of Eden to the present. He would add that the best possible advice he could share and leave with each of us, as well as humankind, would be to seek and find GOD through the teachings of GOD's only begotten Son, JESUS, that GOD has given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven to JESUS. Each person will be judged fairly by JESUS. For those that repent of their sins, resist evil, stay prepared, and truly keep the faith, the ultimate reward awaits: Eternal Paradise.
Michael wished to leave these words in hopes of giving people a way to find comfort during these uncertain and dangerous end times. He would suggest you read the Bible, he preferred the KJV, and pray. JESUS teaches us to pray in Matthew chapter six, which includes the Lord's Prayer. To seek, find, and really understand the true teachings of JESUS. To truly understand the significance of John 3:16.
Michael often inscribed the book he was inspired from above to write with the words he also wanted to inscribe here: "May GOD forever and always bless each of you, your families, and those that you love."
Michael's family shares and expresses these sentiments: Your life and legacy continues to live on through us. We miss you. We will never forget you. Your spirit is alive. We love you as you love us. You will always be with us. We look forward to seeing you again in Paradise.
Michael's spirit is alive. He would have preferred to end this with a hug, a handshake, or a kiss for your cheek, and temporarily say goodbye. He truly believes, in the present moment of time, he will see all the truly faithful in Paradise. According to his testimony and witness: Heaven is a true reality. Life does not end with physical death on earth. This is not the end, only a new beginning. Your spirit goes on. The all-important question concerning your final destiny is where? You determine where by your thoughts and actions. The rest is your responsibility.
Michael assures all people that JESUS truly teaches humankind to give Praise, Glory, Thanks, and Love, above all, to GOD the Creator, GOD the Giver of All Life, GOD our Holy Father. Michael's spirit calls out to all people throughout the world to join him in asking GOD for forgiveness of our sins through the teachings of JESUS, thank GOD for mercy, and pray to be of service in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The grace of the Lord JESUS Christ be with you all. Amen.