ATMORE – Michael James Staples was born Jan. 3, 1962 to Janie Staples and the late W. D. Staples in Monroe County. He departed this life on April 16, 2013, at Atmore Community Hospital in Atmore.

Michael was a deacon at Grove Hill Baptist Church in Eliska. He was a celebrated musician and played lead guitar every Sunday at Zion Star A.M.E. Zion Church in Atmore. His career began as a volunteer fireman at 17 years of age with the Atmore Fire Department. He became employed there on December 31, 1981 as a fireman, and retired as assistant chief on Sept. 28, 2012.

In his passing he leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife, Hayley Staples; his loving and devoted mother, Mrs. Janie Staples, both of Atmore; three sons, Delron (Mieshia) Staples of Atmore, SN Jonathon J. Stallworth, U.S. Navy, Unit 490, Fort Sam Houston, Texas and Malcolm English of Atmore and a foster son, PVT. Tony Mae, U.S. National Guard, Fort Leonard Wood Military Branch, Crocker, Mo.; three brothers, Edwin Bruce (Sharon) Staples of Round Rock, Texas, Larry Staples and Kenneth Staples, of Atmore; mother-in-law, Pearline C. Andrews of Uriah; two sister-in-laws, Alfreda Andrews (Bill – deceased), Barbara Ingram (Econuel) of Atlanta, Ga.; one brother-in-law, James L. Andrews (Laura) of Atlanta, Ga.; two grandchildren, Kameren and Jaylen Taylor and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, relatives and friends as well as his faithful and devoted Church family.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Grace Fellowship Church. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2013 at Mayberry Funeral Home. His body will lie in state from 10:30 a.m. until the 2 p.m. funeral hour Saaturday.