Michael Ben Israel

Michael Ben Israel, of Anniston, Alabama, passed away on June 30, 2024. He was born in Talladega, Alabama on August 16, 1967 to the late Warfredo Gilley and Bertha Mae Elston.
Mr. Israel is survived by his wife, Basya Adi Israel; his children, Erica Gilley, Shanice Jackson, and Ahmad Gilley; his sister, Tanya Gilley; his grandchild, Marley Ford; his nephew, Tj Kendrick.
Michael Ben Israel was a retired Army Veteran, serving honorably for 29 years. While in the Army, he enjoyed being an Airborne Instructor, and bodybuilding became his passion; he won numerous trophies and achieved notable recognition. He was a true outdoorsman. He loved hunting. He was a professional fisherman, often fishing at Lake Martin. He had a new found love for training and riding horses. He was an avid cyclist, riding 55 miles from the Chief Ladiga Trail in Anniston, AL to Smyrna, Ga.
But his biggest accomplishment was his dedication to the church. He served as a Ranked Soldier faithfully and served on many committees including the Security Team, Fundraisers Team, Decoration Team, Maintenance Team, Equipment Team, National Booster Club, & Scribe of "History in the AM" class. He helped to spread the word of God through numerous flyer missions and street ministries to reach many people.
He greatly represented Ecclesiasticus 4:10 "be as a father unto the fatherless", willingly assisting with tuition and acting as a mentor to the young men.
The family will receive friends at Higgins Funeral Home at Hunter-Allen-Myhand from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM on Sunday, July 7, 2024. A funeral service will be held at Higgins Funeral Home at Hunter- Allen-Myhand at 12:00 PM on Sunday, July 7, 2024. The committal service will directly follow the funeral and will be held at Whispering Hills Nature Preserve and Green Cemetery.