Michael Kevin Brace

Michael was born in Los Angeles, California to Robert Brace and Mary Buerke. Due to family changes he moved to Manchester, New Hampshire where he graduated from Central Highschool in 1978. Michael held several jobs, working at a local drive-in movie theater, delivering newspapers, and a manager at a local McDonalds. Michael joined The United States Navy on September 14, 1978, where he attended RTC/NIC in Great Lakes, Illinois and began his carrier as an electrician. During his career he traveled the world on several occasions. On December 15, 1978, Michael was stationed on his first ship the USS Midway which he was proud to serve on due to its history as the only aircraft carrier from the WWII-era. On June 7, 1981, Michael was transferred to The USS Sunbird and was stationed in Groton, Connecticut. In November of 1981 when he was asked to hang out with a friend and was introduced to Susan Brace of Stratford, Connecticut. Little did he know he met his soon-to-be wife of 41 years. They married May 21, 1982, and began a long road together building a family and Susan entered the life of a Navy Wife. On September 9, 1983, Michael was transferred back to Great Lakes to SERVSCOLCOM. Susan, pregnant with their first child, stayed with her family in Stratford, Connecticut. Michael was able to be there when their son, Alexander Brace, was born on September 22, 1983. Three days later they moved to Great Lakes as family for Michael to attend school and become an instructor. December 28, 1986, Michael was transferred once again to the USS Coontz and stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Michael was deployed to the Persian Gulf War. He and his crew assisted in the rescue operations when the USS Stark was struck by Iraqi missiles on May 17, 1987. On September 3, 1989, the family once again transferred to Newport, Rhode Island where he was stationed on the USS Capodanno. It was here the family of three became the family of four. Michael’s daughter, Caitlynn Brace, was born on July 1, 1991. The family moved to Groton, Connecticut on November 4, 1991, where Michael worked at Supships. While working at Supships, Michael was influential in the building and design of the first Seawolf class submarine. It is believed that during this time, Michael had the honor of being the first surface ship personal to reenlist on a submarine. Michael was able to privilege his family during this duty station as well. Michael was on shore duty, which allowed him to provide more time with his family. Michael spent time with his young daughter providing her with his love and affection. As well Michael was able to provide a full-time father figure to his son. Michael assisted his son’s little league team and was able to accompany his son on his path of cub scouts. Michael’s faith began to show a greater calling to him and with the help a family friend he attended Catholic education classes. On October 12, 1994, Michael was once again assigned to Great Lakes. Only this time Michael made the trip alone due to being there a short period to attend school. But before leaving Michael brought Susan and the children to Stratford, Connecticut to be with her mother. During this time Michael was also a member of the MCM Rotational Crew “ALFA”. But Michael never forgot about his family, making phone calls, sending pictures, and if time allowed flying to them for a short stay. On June 3, 1995, Michael was transferred to what would be his last duty station, Ingleside, Texas. Michael made the trip from Great Lakes in his loaded down Ford Festiva as Susan and the children made their way to meet him in a loaded down Mini Van as well as the family dog and cat. They reunited on the Texarkana state line where they spent a few days enjoying the moment. Once their arrival in Ingleside Michael once again assigned to shore duty working at Sima until he was medical discharged on August 29, 1996. Michael was once again able to provide his family with his presence and assist his wife with parenting. Michael continued to support his son in his journey in Scouting as they both received the honor of the Order of Arrow and Alex obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. As well as teaching his daughter how to swim and using a diving board at the base pool.

Once Michael’s retirement the family moved to Stratford, Connecticut. Michael continued his career in the electronics field working for several different companies. But Michael always found time for his family and teaching them. Going to his son’s football games, wrestling matches, and continuing to guide him through the Scouts. Michael also gave his time to his daughter, who was involved in cheerleading, and teaching her boys are bad. Michael had on opportunity to join a company in Milford, Massachusetts where his skills from the navy could be applied. Michael moved to Milford into a one-bedroom apartment while he tested the waters before moving his family. As one door closes another opens and Michael was asked to join a start-up company and offered a lead position. Michael asked for the guidance of his family who supported him. They together moved to Manchester, New Hampshire where Michael’s journey as an adult all began. Caitlynn was able to attend the same junior high and high school Michael attended. Michael was honored to share the halls he once walked and reminisce with his daughter of their mutual experiences. Michael was able to watch his daughter attend prom and watch her graduate wearing the same colors he wore. Alex stayed in Connecticut with his grandmother to finish his last year of high school. Michael was sure to make sure his son know he was still there for him. Calling him to check on him, coming to visit, and attending his sporting events.

Michael’s health began to catch up with him. Diabetes and his heart began to fight him resulting in Michael having to have several heart catheterizations, stents, and eventually requiring open heart surgery. Michael was not able to return to work, but it allowed him to give his attention to his family. Michael had many ups and downs over the next few years, but he continued his teaching and guidance to his children. As well as spending time with his amazing wife. Alex, knowing Michael was having difficulty, moved to New Hampshire to be by his father and aid the family as Michael instilled in both his children.

After several years of ups and downs and close calls, Michael was told that there was nothing more they could do for him medically. Michael was found to have two major blockages in his heart. It just so happens that Alex met a young lady, Sonia Periera, and her son Jelani. Michael immediately opened his arms to them and accepted them as his family. Michael made sure his son didn’t mess up and made sure he remembered his teachings and guidance. Sonia was originally from Arkansas and was forced to return. Alex spoke to his family asking for support to join her on her return. Without hesitation Michael agreed and decided to follow Alex with Susan, and Caitlynn as the family had followed him during his carrier. Susan stayed in New Hampshire for a short period to finalize things. As the rest of the family moved to Sherwood, Arkansas and started a new adventure.

After a short time, Susan followed and once again the family was reunited. Michael was able to attend his son’s graduation to become a Detention Deputy at Pulaski County Sheriff’s. Unfortunately, Michael’s health problems followed as well. Michael was transported to the VA hospital where a doctor informed Michael, he could help him. After several long catheterizations, Michael’s heart was functioning properly. He was also informed his heart was trying to repair itself creating new pathways to provide blood to his heart. We always knew Michael’s heart was amazing but now it was giving to him as he had given to so many before. Susan’s medical condition began to catch up with her as well and she suffered a small stroke. Michael stood by his rock during her time of need, looking past his own needs. Upon her return home from hospitalization, Michael’s health began to decline rapidly once again. Michael was transported to a local hospital. Where it was found Michael had suffered a major stroke in the base of the brain. Michael was never able to return home or walk again. But that didn’t mean Michael would give up fighting and guidance.

Michael was hospitalized in the beginning of Covid, and his family had to visit him through a window for the extent of the outbreak. Michael continued to love, laugh and teach his family even without having physical contact. Michael was eventually moved to Arkansas State Veterans Homes, on Fort Roots where they allowed contact. Unfortunately, Michael was unable to leave the facility and was unable to see Alex getting married and continue his long-time goal in a law enforcement carrier by becoming an Officer at Sherwood, Police Department. Caitlynn was able to move into her own house, work towards building her career and always willing to help someone in need just as Michael was willing to give the shirt off his back. Michael’s guidance, teachings and not give up attitude had been instilled in his children to continue his legacy.

Michael developed a major infection in his foot which entered the bone. While in the hospital Doctors and medical staff talked with the family advising that it would be unsafe to do surgery. Knowing Michael was a fighter the family insisted on the surgery. Michael, continuing to fight, spoke up and advised the staff he had no choice but to have the surgery. Michael came out of surgery strong as ever, continuing to show his family how to fight and not give up. Michael continued to grace his family and everyone he encountered for the last year of his life. Making people laugh and showing them that no matter what life throws at you, your mind is what matters. In Michaels last moments with us, he still continued to fight. Holding on so he and his family could see him one last time. Even shedding a tear for them.

Michael leaves behind his amazing wife of 41 years, Susan Brace, daughter, Caitlynn Brace and her boyfriend, Jesse, son and daughter in law, Alexander and Sonia Brace, grandsons Jelani and Gabriel, brother and wife, Bobby and Debbie Brace, brother, Cecil Brace, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dennis and Carol Bogue, sister-in-law Beverly Nearhood, several nieces and nephews, as well as numerous cousins and two amazing friends, Robert Gerami, and Douglas Moon.

Michael was predeceased by his father, Robert Brace, mother and stepfather Mary and John Noreen, sister, Linda Messier, and sister-in-law, Cynthia Brace, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jeffery and Polly Bogue, and brother-in-law, Buck Nearhood, as well as his little open-heart buddy (Chihuahua) Bosco.

Visitation will be at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Rd., North Little Rock, AR on Friday, July 14, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service celebrating Michael's life at 1:00 p.m. with full military honors.