He is survived by loving wife of 61 years, Bonita Garvey. Other surviving members include older daughter, Colleen Handly & husband Robert Handly, younger daughter, Corinne (Cori) Cathey; grandchildren, Jason Handly, Ashley Cathey, Britney Cathey, Craig Handly & his wife Laura; & great-granddaughters Megan & Isabella ''Izzy'' Handly; sister, Sue Lawrie & husband Mike Lawrie, younger brother, Pat Garvey & wife Ginger, and many other family members & friends who loved him dearly.
Rev. Garvey was born September 6th, 1940, in Charlotte, MI. He was a devout ARP Presbyterian pastor, being in the ministry for 50 years. He was a loving husband to ''his Bonnie'', Bonita C. Garvey, whom he married in 1963. He also was a wonderful father to his three daughters, Colleen, Corinne, & Chandra, and wonderful ''Papa'' to all of his grandchildren.
Michael was a very involved man of the community; being involved in the Lion's Club, which he was a part of for many years. He was District Governor in 2004 & received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award in 2007. He spent the majority of his time researching and preparing for his next sermon, which he was a proud minister for many years at Wood Avenue ARP Church in Monticello, AR & Hickory Springs ARP Church in Warren, AR.
He would also spend his time collecting things such as stamps, coins, books, and many trinkets that were related to owls or Michigan State. He also donated to many organizations. Anyone that knew him knew that he was a very religious man you could always talk to about the Holy Spirit. For many, especially family, he was the glue holding everything together; and now, his life should be celebrated as he would want it to be.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with burial in Oakland Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday preceding the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Fight Colorectal Cancer charity or The Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS, so that his mentioning will always be alive! You can sign Brother Mike's guestbook registry on this page.
Condolences(6)
Betty GARVEY Borkholder
Goshen, IN Saturday, September 28, 2024 Mike was such a wonderful person n always enjoyed his humor n his faith he so talked about freely n he was loved by many. I'm so glad he is no longer suffering n with his lord n Savior but his family will miss him dearly. My deepest sympathy to his family n may God hold them all close during these difficult days n weeks ahead. Love to all a sister in law n Aunt to the girls colleen n Cori, God bless you all. BETTY Garvey Borkholder, Ron Garvey, Brent Garvey, Gary Garvey n Jodi GarveyWilmot L Green
Warren, AR Friday, September 27, 2024 So sorry for your loss. May the Lord take you in His arms and keep you through this time of sorrow and loss.Marsha Daniels
Monticello, AR Friday, September 27, 2024 Mike was, I believe, the longest serving pastor of Monticello’s ARP congregation. My condolences to all his family.Betty Evans
Monticello, AR Friday, September 27, 2024 Bonnie and family, I am sorry for your loss. I enjoyed the time in Lion's Club and knowing your family. My prayers are with y'all.Sharon Morgan
Warren, AR Thursday, September 26, 2024 I really enjoyed our services with Mr.Garvey at our Hickory Spring church. So sorry for your loss. He is enjoying his fellowship with those how have gone before him. We will miss him.Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 25, 2024 To Rev. Garvey's family: I am sorry for your great loss. Thanks to Rev. & Mrs Garvey for being good across-the-street neighbors of my mom for years. I am praying that all of you find comfort in the fact that your loved one is now at peace with the LORD that he served!!