Michael Motes

Michael was living his dream and pursuing his wilderness passion when he passed August 26, 2024 while sea kayaking and fishing in the Kodiak Archipelago in the Chiniak Bay of Alaska, a place believed by many to be the most beautiful place on earth. He recently accepted a 3-year contract on Kodiak Island as a software engineer with a company which services the Coast Guard off the coast of Alaska. At the time of his passing, Michael was having a blast living life to the fullest crabbing, clamming, and fishing nearly every day on Kodiak.

He had unmatched fervor for life. Genuinely curious by nature, he lived in wonder and was true to his original spirit and own heart. He was a lifelong student of philosophy and a poet. Michael loved being outdoors, gardening, hunting, fishing, and being with his family. He called everyone to the table.

Michael had a strong heart for, and connection with God. He was a member of Lakeside United Methodist Church. He also recently attended First Methodist Church in Pine Bluff. His most memorable church experience was with Center Baptist Church of Rowell, AR, where he served in a mission work trip to Romania.

He was born February 26, 1987 in Pine Bluff, son of John Thomas Motes and Ginger Jones Cheatham. As a child, Michael was quick-witted and ahead of his time. He excelled academically at Trinity Episcopal School in Pine Bluff and Catholic High School in Little Rock and was awarded a Chancellor's Scholarship to study at the University of Arkansas, reserved for the top 5% of students in the United States. Michael graduated from the University of Arkansas with an electrical engineering degree with a minor in horticulture reflecting his love of computer science and of plants and the natural world. Michael understood the complex connections and ecosystems of the virtual and natural (temporal and spiritual) worlds. Before leaving Arkansas, he visited and camped at many of the state's natural areas where he was in awe of its beauty.

Survivors on earth include his mother, Ginger Jones Cheatham, and stepfather, Kevin Cheatham, of 23 years; his siblings Mandi, Mary, Marlee and Daniel; his niece Ama and nephew JR; aunts and uncles Bill and Sharri Jones, Dick Motes, Cinda Motes, and Dodd and Sandra Motes; and his beloved grandmothers, Marguerite Robinson "Sissy" Jones and Betty Henes "Momo" Motes.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, John Thomas Motes; grandfathers, William Murphy Jones, Jr. and Sam Dodd Motes Sr.; and his aunt, Elizabeth "Libba" Palazola.

Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2024 in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son with Reverend Judy Rudd of Lakeside United Methodist Church officiating. A private burial will follow the service at Flat Bayou Cemetery, near Altheimer.

Pallbearers were Austin Coyle, Daniel Cheatham, Matthew Boyd, David Sabo, William Jones, Wyatt Jones, and Joe Cook; honorary pallbearers were Ty Motes and Bo Palazola.