Michael Wayne Fairchild

Michael, lovingly known as Mike, was born on August 25, 1951, in Dallas, Texas to Delmar and Emma Fairchild. He was the only member of his family born in Texas but maintained his strong connection to Arkansas through his cousins.

Professor Fairchild graduated from Irving High School in 1969. Following graduation, Mike enrolled at UTA and worked in road construction to pay his tuition. After graduating from UTA with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in 1973 and a Master’s in 1977, Professor Fairchild worked in the construction industry for several decades. This included serving as Vice President of Construction for Fairfield Development, managing the construction of high-rise apartments and condominiums. He also provided professional services through his consultant company for developers and architects.

A Professor of Practice in Construction Management, he taught at UTA from 2009, starting in the graduate program and later both graduate and undergraduate programs until his passing. He was one of the founding instructors of the Bachelor of Science in Construction Management program and served actively on its Advisory Council. He brought extensive real-world experience to his classes, which his students greatly appreciated.

He was passionate about education, motorcycles, and vintage cars. He enjoyed serving as a Committee Chair for the Sons of the American Revolution and their participation in the Arlington annual Fourth of July Parade. He also participated in the Daughters of the American Revolution philanthropy project, Wreaths Across America which honors all the veterans at the Arlington and Parkdale Cemeteries each year.

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Cyndy, son Ian (wife Susan) and grandchildren Emma, Madeline, and Graham and son Nathan (wife April); grandchildren Cameron and Avery; as well as many other family members, friends, and students. Mike’s legacy will live on and he will be missed.

A visitation will be held at Moore Funeral home in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 10:00 am with a Celebration of Life service immediately following at 11:00 am. A private committal service will be held in Fort Worth, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Professor Michael Fairchild Scholarship Endowment at UTA which will support an undergraduate Construction Management student who has academic merit and financial need.

https://give.uta.edu/fairchild