Michael Markley

Michael Mark Markley was born on December 8, 1946 in Rogers, Arkansas where his parents lived temporarily before moving back to Texas. His childhood was an itinerant one due to his father's career in the U.S. Air Force, being stationed around Texas as well as in New Mexico, Colorado, and Washington, DC.

Upon graduating in 1964 from Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth, Michael enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin where he earned undergraduate degrees in Government and in Radio, Television, and Film, reflecting his lifelong interest in both law and entertainment. After graduating in 1968, he enrolled in the University of Texas School of Law and earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1972. Michael passed the Bar Exam in the fall of 1972 and remained a member of the State Bar of Texas for the rest of his life.

After practicing entertainment law in Austin and operating various businesses there, he moved to Los Angeles, CA where he met Meril Benjamin, also an attorney. When Meril was offered a two-year assignment in Paris, France, Michael proposed marriage. They wed on December 1, 1990 at Sherman Oaks United Methodist Church and moved to France.

While living in France, Michael dreamed of importing into the U.S. 19th century Gothic Revival furniture, a style he adored for its intricate carving and religious symbolism. Back in the U.S., he started mmarkley.com to sell online the pieces he and Meril selected on regular trips back to France. With the business's worldwide reach, he encountered people from all walks of life who loved Gothic style furniture. Some pieces found their way into movies and TV shows, and have been used in ballet and opera productions.

Meril and Michael eventually settled in The Woodlands, Texas in 1994 in order to be closer to his widowed mother and his sister, Mary. He was elected twice to The Woodlands Residential Design Review Committee charged with maintaining the community's standards.

In addition to French antiques, Michael was passionate about politics, cooking, and gardening, while dedicating himself to a long-term renovation of their home and yard.

In December of 2022, Michael was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer and given less than a year to live. That he made it to 19 months is a tribute to his determination and his faith.

Michael passed away peacefully in his home on July 27, 2024 with his beloved wife Meril and their little dog Margaux by his side. In true Texas fashion, his last meal had been a lifelong favorite – a chocolate malt from Dairy Queen.

In addition to Meril, Michael is survived by his sister, Mary Markley, as well as by her sons Christopher Wright Gardner and Jake Wright, and their families. Michael leaves behind cherished friends in Texas and elsewhere who enriched his life beyond measure.

For a more in-depth remembrance of Michael Markley, please visit mmarkley.com. (https://www.mmarkley.com/remembrance.html).

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 6 at 1 pm in the Robb Chapel of The Woodlands Methodist Church, led by Bishop Emeritus the Reverend Dr. Robert E. Hayes, Jr.