Michael "Mike" Dane Linville

Michael Dane Linville was born December 12, 1967 in Clarksville, TN to Freddy Morton Linville and Nancy Wyatt Linville (nee: Kendrick). He attended school at Ooltewah Public School and enjoyed playing football and baseball as an Ooltewah Owl. He graduated high school in spring of 1986 and followed up with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1991. 

A year later, Mike met Brandii Branum Linville, and they were married the following January in Brandii’s hometown of Harriman, TN. The couple then moved to Bladen County, North Carolina. Mike worked and managed hog farms while Brandii worked as a health coordinator at Bladen Health Watch. They were blessed with their first child Maggie Kendrick Linville in May of 1994. Four years later in March, Andrew Jacob Linville joined the family as the couple’s second child. The twins, Natalie Dane and Ryder Lane Linville were born in November of 1999. In 2004 the family made the move to Beaver, Oklahoma where Mike continued his career in hog farming.

Mike started his truck driving career under Tex Gross, at Partners Oilfield in 2008. Thus began a career in truck driving that Mike proudly pursued and passed on to his son, Ryder. Mike also was able to continue his lifelong passion of riding, roping and training horses, a pastime he enjoyed with his son Andrew. Mike also loved listening to music and watching Tennessee football. Maggie and Natalie’s relationship with their father was a source of great pride as Mike enjoyed watching Natalie play softball and play in the band as well as seeing Maggie’s musical and artistic successes. 

Mike was not only an avid Tennessee fan; he also coached various sports including baseball and wrestling and had an immense impact on many young lives. Mike enjoyed lifting weights and working on his fitness and could regularly be found at Cline’s gym any given evening. Although Mike may have been a man of few words, his actions and the genuine care for others spoke volumes. 

Although blood family was a huge part of Mike’s life, he also had found family in all his friends and co-workers at Bennett Construction. He and Brandii were very welcoming to others and made their house a home for anyone who needed a hot meal and a warm bed.

Michael is survived by his wife Brandii, children Maggie, Andrew, Natalie and Ryder as well as their significant others, who have been a tremendous support during this time; Mike’s brother Bill, stepmother Edna Linville and stepsisters Jamie and Mellissa and their families, as well as cousins Jeff Moseley and family and Jonel Moseley and family. Mike, “Mikey”, will be greatly missed by his honorary grandchildren Benton, Bodie and Braidy Payne and their parents, close friends, Whitney and Will Payne. Countless other friends and family members are left to mourn his passing. 

The Linville family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the many fire departments and all the emergency responders who have given countless hours serving and protecting our community. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be made to the Beaver Firefighters Association, where it will be distributed to all of the county fire departments.