A Fond Farewell to a Beloved Soul

On April 25, 2020, our world mourned the passing of an extraordinary individual: Michael Stanley Hartsell of Vestavia Hills, Alabama passed away at just 57. Lovingly known by all his loved ones as Daddy, Sweetheart, Mikey Dotie and Harts he has left an immeasurable hole in their hearts as his death leaves no one standing taller in our memory than Michael himself.

When Michael Stanley Hartsell Was Born

Michael Hartsell was born December 18th 1962 at Air Force Academy Hospital Colorado Springs to Charles Mack Hartsell and Joye Gwendolyn Newton Hartsell and was showered with love from day one by both parents – Charles Mack Hartsell being father and Joye being mother. Being youngest led to Michael being doted upon even more by both of them which only further added to his youthful exuberance and curiosity.

A Curious Mind and an Athletic Spirit

Michael was defined by an irrepressible curiosity as he dismantled everything he could get his hands on – much to his mother’s displeasure! This same curiosity propelled him to explore, learn and ultimately excel in athletics; particularly rugby where his physical prowess shone through. After finding his calling at Birmingham Vulcan Rugby Club in 1985 – both for its athletic prowess as well as in building lifelong friendships through it – Michael excelled both personally and athletically.

Love Finds a Way

Fate brought Michael and Stephanie Hickman Syphurs together at Shades Mountain Baptist Church while they searched for Sunday School classes at Shades Mountain. When Michael got lost in the sprawling church, Stephanie pointed him in the right direction – an experience neither would soon forget! Their love story began then and ended there when they married on August 12, 2012 at that very same church. Together they built their family together – sharing memories with Will Davis Macy Alyssa (Christopher), Rushton while enjoying special moments with granddaughters Blakely and Avery Waters!

A Family Bonded by Love and Laughter

Michael enjoyed close ties with his siblings Debbie (David), Kathy (Larry), and Greg (Jan). Their many moves as an Air Force family fostered an ever-deepening connection that was both resilient and full of affection. Later, as an adult Michael took great delight in becoming an uncle to Walker and Ben Donaldson; cherishing family ties that had long been at the core of his life.

Michael Stanley Hartsell Career And Relationships

Professionally, Michael spent 25 years serving as Associate Director of IT for the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation. Not only was his career about doing his work well but it was also about building lasting friendships within and outside the office environment.

Attitude of Gratitude during Times of Trial

Michael’s final months were an enduring tribute to the strength and resilience of his community – from family and friends, Shades Mountain Church family, UAB Chaplain Malcolm Marler, Drs William Curry, Hitesh Batra and Chaplain Malcolm Marler in particular – who all provided much-needed comfort during his final journey. We extend special thanks to Drs William Curry, Hitesh Batra and Chaplain Malcolm Marler at UAB for providing such extraordinary assistance during this trying time.

Final Farewell in Uncertain Times

Due to a pandemic, Michael’s funeral attendance was limited. Nonetheless, technology enabled many to participate in his memorial through live streaming on Southern Heritage Funeral Home’s Facebook page and plans are underway for a summer celebration to pay their respects and give Michael his due honors.

Michael’s Legacy: More Than Words

Describing Michael is difficult; he was mischievous yet kind with an energetic drive that never allowed him to sit still. Always willing to lend a helping hand and deeply fond of his Sunday School classmates and rugby mates, Michael also deeply cherished each moment spent with family – often responding with “Good grief!” or “Mmmhmm!” in his signature manner.

Michael Stanley Hartsell will be sorely missed, yet in remembering his life we find not just sorrow but also gratitude: for the love he shared, lives he touched, memories left behind – his legacy will endure and we say goodbye for now with faith that one day soon we’ll see him again. Thank you Michael. Thank you Michael. Thank you Michael. Thank you Michael. Thank you Michael for everything.