Michael Preston Longley of McKinney, Texas passed away in his home with his wife at his side on August 5, 2023, at the age of 82. He was born on February 14, 1941, to Marion Preston Longley and Mildred Emma (Silvus) Longley in Houston, Texas. Michael was a graduate of San Jacinto High School in Houston. He received Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, followed by residency and fellowships in pediatrics and pediatric nephrology. He later completed a residency at UTSW Dallas and was board certified in psychiatry as well. He served his country proudly in the United States Air Force. Michael married Deborah Kaye Williamson on December 3, 2011.
He was a Christian, a very proud grandfather and a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a pillar of honor and integrity, honest to a fault. Michael was a physician, a counselor, a teacher, a mentor and a friend. He pulled no punches, and he had a wicked sense of humor. Anyone who knew him as a friend will remember seeing him throw back his head and laugh aloud. He devoted much of his career to the public sector where he served those with no advocate. He thought they deserved the same quality of care as the affluent-and he gave patients this level of care.
He was a lifelong learner, studying history, politics, medicine, and many other topics of interest. He enjoyed hobbies including hiking, photography, painting/art, travel, and the company of his beloved family and friends. Michael studied and supported his cherished nonprofit organizations. His favorites focused primarily on Christian outreach, children, the disenfranchised, our Military and Law Enforcement. He was an avid supporter of National Parks, endangered animal species, and environmental preservation for future generations. He loved his country and made known his support of the US Constitution.
He remained passionate about pediatrics and always loved and enjoyed children, especially his grandchildren.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Williamson Anthony of McKinney, Texas; daughter, Catherine Gammill and husband, Terral of Little Rock, Arkansas; daughter, Danja Franklin and husband, David of Denton Texas; granddaughters, Claire Gammill and Andi Gammill; grandson, Micah Franklin; sister, Judy Sterling and husband James; beloved nieces and nephews; Susan Silvus, Don Deaton, his Coffee Club, and a host of other loving family and friends.
Michael will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved him.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Thursday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 18, 2023 at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.
Memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s memory to Unto, A Cru Ministry; www.unto.com/donate and Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, www.calfarley.org or the charity of your choosing.