Michael Gatheright

Michael David Gatheright, age 50, of Camden AR, passed away quietly and peacefully Thursday, December 10, 2020 at the John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado, AR. Michael was born on June 25, 1970 in Frankfurt, West Germany to Ronnie and Eloise Gatheright.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Eloise Evon Mock Gatheright, and his grandparents Virgil and Bobbie Gatheright and William Thomas Mock.

Michael is survived by his father, Ronnie Gatheright of Smackover, AR; his grandmother Mary Helen Mock of Smackover, AR; his brother and sister-in-law Christopher Neal and Catherine Gatheright of El Dorado, AR; his nieces Kalie Ann Eubanks (Cole Eubanks) of Hampton, AR, Lilly Speer, and Nora Speer of El Dorado, AR; his nephew, Tyler Gatheright (Nicole Guthrie) of Felsenthal, AR; his great-nephews Ryder Nokes, Colton Benson, and Jax Gatheright; and one great-niece, Kennison Kate Eubanks. Michael is also survived by many great friends including special friends Jeana Miller of El Dorado, John McElfish of Whitehouse, TX, and Tate Wunnenberg of Camden. Michael had a loving relationship with each individual member of his family. He also had that same loving relationship with many friends through the years, as well.

Michael graduated from El Dorado High School in 1988. He played the trumpet in the high school band where he competitively fought for 1st chair at every tryout. He especially enjoyed the marching band. Michael also attended the Art Institute of Dallas.

During his life, Michael performed many jobs, from his early days selling shoes at Paul’s Shoes in the mall in El Dorado, to his owning a novelty and body-piercing shop in Hot Springs, AR; from his days as an assistant manager at Batteries Not Included party supply store in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago, to his days slinging Sazeracs and Cajun martinis as the fastest bartender at K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen in the French Quarter of New Orleans. He also managed popular restaurants in Phoenix, AZ and Denver, CO. Michael could do it all and was always a role model for his co-workers.

Michael was a lover of all animals. He treated his dogs, Phife Dawg and Q-Tip, with the same respect that he treated all people. Michael often expressed his desire for memorials to be made to an animal rescue in the event of his death. His family and friends have chosen Ouachita County Animal Protection Society (OCAPS) in Camden, AR. The mailing address is 145 Jefferson St SW, Box 12, Camden, AR, 71701.

As Michael’s very close friend, I, Tate Wunnenberg, offered to take on the responsibility of writing his obituary. I wrote the above following a basic format, but when I got to here, I realized I had not told who he really was. Michael was an inspiration to all in school and work and in life. People looked up to Michael and were awed by his good-natured, welcoming attitude. Michael loved his family and friends with an intensity and passion that all those close to him felt. Michael always saw the best in everyone he met. In the words of John McElfish, Michael was “the coolest person” many of us had ever known. That is who Michael was.

A celebration of the life of our dear son, brother, and friend Michael David Gatheright will be held Wednesday, December 16,2020 at The Events Center at Fairview Park, 2740 Mt. Holly Rd SW, Camden, AR. A social hour will begin at 6:00 pm with a service beginning around 7 pm. The Events Center is located 25 minutes north of downtown El Dorado. If you have an interesting memory or picture to share, please share to tate1106@msn.com. Memories of Michael may also be shared online at www.arkansascremation.com The Reverend Beth Waldrup of First United Methodist Church in Camden will be officiating. Masks are required, as CDC recommended. Please respect this decision. All who wish to attend are invited and welcome.

Cremation arrangements entrusted to www.ArkansasCremation.com.

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