Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers wrote 125 years ago, "To be humble is a sweet thing;there is no lovlier spot in the road to the celestial city...he that lives in it dwells among flowers and birds, and may sing all day long:
                           He that is down fear no fall,
                               He that is low no pride;
                            He that is humble ever shall
                             Have God to be his Guide
Michael Briles' memory was honored at the most lovingly beautiful funeral I have ever attended. Everyone who spoke touched on Michael living the life of a good man--Michael, of course was a good man, but most importantly, Michael, I believe, was a saved man. Being humble is the pinnacle of the Christian life--that which few of us accomplish, but Michael was, to me one of the humbliest men I have ever ever called friend. To my regret, I am remis in my failing to engage Michael more in grace filled conversation--I could have learned much from him. I prayerfully am certain that Michael was one of God's elect because our Lord blessed Michael with a humble manner to which we all can hold as a standard. 

Michael, as God as your guide, may you dwell among the flowers and birds, and sing all day long, tirelessly throwing tennis balls the the Labrador Retrievers you loved.

Gordon Rich

Dad was a good guy. He made sure you had a good day on a bad day. If we were having problems he would help us out in any way he could like giving advise. Knowing my dad for 30 years seems like a long time but its just like it was only yesterday that I knew him. He would travel here, there and everywhere and it was like never got to spend as much time with him as I would had like. I remember when he came back from Iceland and he brought back numerous ceramics and we would paint them whether they were big or small we had alot of paintings to do. Even though it may seem like a short time together those times that we did spend time together was a forever moment that would treasure forever. The most memorable moment was when he seen his son (Me - Rusty) get married to Becky and knew he was becoming a grandfather. He got to hold his precious grandson Matthew in his arms. He loved his daughter-in-law and his grandson. He loved his wife Sandy my stepmom and his black lab Josie. Well dad they love you to as much as I do.Me, Becky, Matthew, Sandy and Dad went to eat at Golden Corral which was in Middle of February , who would ever thought that it would be the last time all of us got to spend time with each other. Everyone you knew will miss you to. We love you very much and we will miss you alot. Love Rusty, Becky and Matthew.

Michael was my husband and best friend for 8 1/2 wonderful years.  We met online through Yahoo.com after we had both lost a previous spouse to cancer and we eloped to Pigeon Forge, TN a couple of months later (despite our children's concerns) and were married in a lovely little chapel on the parkway. We spent some wonderful times together traveling and hanging out with our close friends and families. He got me hooked on NASCAR racing and I got him hooked on riding roller coasters.  We swam with dolphins, we flew in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon, we went on a cruise to the Bahamas, we went to Vegas twice, we went to Disney, Universal, Sea World, Busch Gardens, and Dollywood numerous times, and we played like children wherever we went.  Michael was a retired MSGT with the 335th Air Maintenance Unit at Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldsboro, NC, where he worked on F-4 Phantom Jets (his all time favorite jet) and other aircraft. After his retirement, he joined Lowes Home Improvement and became a plumbing specialist. I always joked that they got to see way more of him than I ever did since he worked shift work and only got one weekend off a month. So we cherished those weekends when we could spend some one-on-one time together. He loved his children, Rusty and Corey and his grandson, Matthew. He also loved his faithful black Lab, Josie, and was very proud that she earned her CDC (Companion Dog Certificate) from the AKC before she even turned a year old.  He would take her to the local nursing homes to visit patients or ride her around in his red convertible and stop off at Wachovia to just visit with the tellers.  Our last trip together was to Myrtle Beach, SC to celebrate my birthday and Valentine's Day.  We were running away from all the snow in NC, only to have it follow us down there.  The beach was absolutely beautiful covered in that blanket of white snow, which had melted by noon. As hard as it is to have to say goodbye, I know that he is now resting in heaven with our loved ones who passed before us.  I will miss his smile, his touch, his sweet disposition and his warm body next to me.  And as Dolly Parton said to Porter Wagoner when they parted ways - My dearest Michael, "I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!"  Sandy  :-)

Sarah, I so enjoyed the times that I was able to be with you and Michael.  He was such a character and loved to make people laugh. He will be missed by all who knew him  My God bring you peace and comfort at this difficult time. Love you my friend
Kathy Staley

Sarah, My heart aches along side you as you begin a new journey without Michael at your side.  I pray for a sense of peace knowing you both were and are loved.  Love you friend,

I've never met Michael in person, he was my Internet friend. He always made me laugh with his wonderful sense of humor! I could tell he was the kind of Man that whoever touched his life was the better for it. I will miss him so much and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. Mrs. Jean Buie (Greensboro, NC)

Michael u made me laugh. U taught me plumbing.  we could talk about the military.  I will miss u very much and I'm thankful for having known u.

Mike was one of my child hood friends. I will always have those wonderful memories.  I will miss him.    God Bless your family during your time of grief.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.  Love, Wanda Hunt Wade

I had the honor of working with Michael for a year and enjoyed every moment. He could always get me to smile and always had a story to tell. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sarah and family,
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and I wish you the best during these difficult times.

Michael was a kind person and always willing to help others.  I have worked with his wife, Sarah, for over 20 years and they were a very happy couple.  I am very sorry to hear about Michael's death.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family and especially Sarah.

Sarah, 
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. May peace be with you.

Sarah & Family,

We are so saddened by your loss.  Michael was a good friend and such a jokester and was always making us laugh.  He will certainly be missed.  Always remember that God is in control and will wrap His arms of love around you and fill the void in your life with His love.  You know how we love you and you can call on us for any need you may have regardless of time or day.  We are praying for you and Rusty especially and the rest of your family.

Love ya,
Gail & Larry

Michael was a very devoted husband, father and friend to all he met.  He will be truly missed by everyone he knew.  He was like a brother to me and I will miss him.  I would like to convey my sincerest condolences to his lovely wife and family!

OBITUARY

Michael Craig Briles

19 May, 1952 – 16 March, 2010

Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Archdale

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