Michael Matthew Pride, 79, of Stillwater, Oklahoma passed away on December 4, 2024. A celebration of Michael's life will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025 at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel.

Born on October 11, 1945, in De Queen, Arkansas, to Jeff and Pauline Pride, Michael lived a life filled with purpose, adventure, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and country.

Michael graduated from Horatio High School in Arkansas and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas. Shortly after, he answered the call to serve his nation, joining the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, being named the Honorman of his company. He served on the USS Holand and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal before his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1972. Michael's service was a testament to his courage and commitment to protecting the freedoms we hold dear.

Following his military service, Michael embarked on a successful career that took him around the world many times; he stood on every continent except Antarctica. A skilled and dedicated professional, he found his calling in the Oil and Gas industry where he worked for many prestigious companies such as Halliburton and A-1 Bit and Tool before retiring as a pipeline foreman from Allseas in 2018. Despite his global travels, Michael remained rooted in his love for his home state and the Arkansas Razorbacks, passionately cheering on his favorite football team every season.

In 2022, Michael moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to be closer to his family-his greatest source of pride. He cherished his role as a father to his daughter, Blair Mathew Lowery, her husband Wyatt, and as a grandfather to his beloved grandsons, William and Jude Lowery. Fridays were particularly special, as "Grandpa" hosted sleepovers filled with laughter, Uno games, and precious moments that will be treasured forever.

Michael was a man of many passions. An avid sports fan, he rarely missed a Razorbacks game. He valued health and community, making fitness a daily habit and spending time with friends at the Moose Lodge a few times each week. He was known for his warm smile, quick wit, and his ability to become friends with everyone.

Michael is survived by his daughter Blair Lowery, his son-in-law Wyatt Lowery, and his two grandsons, William Wyatt Lowery and Jude Michael Matthew Lowery, of Stillwater, OK. His love for them knew no bounds, and they were the light of his life. He is also survived by his brother Jeff Pride, and his wife Cheryl Pride, of Little Rock, AR. Michael was preceded in death by his parents Jeff and Pauline Pride, of Horatio, AR

Michael Matthew Pride lived an extraordinary life filled with service, love, and devotion. His memory will forever be cherished by all who knew and loved him. Fly high, Mike-your Razorbacks have gained their biggest fan in the sky.