Michael Denard Agnew

Michael Denard Agnew, 66, passed away on June 17, 2025, in Mobile, Alabama. Born on December 19, 1958, in Columbus, Georgia, Michael lived a life marked by dedication to service, deep family ties, and an unwavering commitment to his chosen paths.

Michael's early years were shaped in part by his education at John S. Shaw High School. He later pursued his calling with determination, earning a degree in Mortuary Science from Bishop State University. From a young age, Michael had a clear vision for his future-telling his mother that he wanted to become a mortician-and he followed through with that dream with passion and purpose.

Over the course of more than two decades, Michael served families in their most difficult moments as a funeral professional in Mobile, Alabama. His career included meaningful tenures at Johnson & Allen Funeral Home, Lovett's Funeral Chapel, Azalea Funeral Home, and Brooke Sterling & Garrett Funeral Services in Tyler, Texas. His dedication culminated in the founding of Agnew-Freeman Funeral Home in Tyler-a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and heartfelt commitment to helping others find peace and dignity during times of loss.

Later in life, Michael embraced a new chapter as an over-the-road truck driver. For more than twenty years, he traveled the highways of America with the same sense of purpose and reliability that defined all aspects of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents Rudolph Agnew and Thelma Ross Agnew; paternal grandparents Lorenzo Agnew and Florence Nabors Agnew; and maternal grandparents Rev. Gorden Ross and Thelma Walker Ross.

Michael is lovingly remembered by his son Michael Arguis Agnew of Houston, Texas; his brother Rudolph Lemetrick Agnew of Mobile; sisters Dolores Charita Agnew-Shamburger of Forney, Texas, and Quintella Maria Agnew of Alpharetta, Georgia; niece Chantae Agnew-Hunt of Hoover, Alabama; nephews Gorden Agnew-Hunt of Mobile; Quinton C. Agnew of Alpharetta, Georgia and stepdaughter Delametrius Agnew of Dallas, Texas.

He also leaves behind cherished lifelong friends Keith Thomas and Willie Summerlin. He was preceded in death by dear friend Dwight C. Anderson. A special friend and sister-friend to the family is Tosonja M. Besteda. The Calhoun's, Anderson's and Smith's were among the many neighbors who formed a strong community around him throughout the years.

Michael's memory is also held close by numerous aunts, uncle, cousins; ex-wives LaShaunda Gates-Henderson, Mena Freeman and Peggy "PK" Kirby; as well as other family members, friends, and co-workers whose lives he touched deeply.

A service honoring Michael's life will be held with eulogy delivered by Bishop Patrick Munnerlyn.

Michael Denard Agnew's legacy is one of service-both to families grieving loss and to those who shared the road with him across countless miles. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM CST at Lovett's Funeral Chapel, 404 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Mobile, AL 36603.