Michael Lynn Criner

Michael Lynn Criner was born December 18, 1952 in Stuttgart, Arkansas to Mollie Doris Criner. He departed this life on Saturday, October 15, 2022 in his home.

Affectionately known as Bread, he attended Stuttgart Public Schools, where he was a member of the Senior High basketball squad. He also loved playing tennis, whenever he could. Michael was an avid football and basketball fan. In addition, he enjoyed growing and tending to his many plants.

Upon graduation, he moved to Little Rock, Arkansas and obtained his certificate in Computer Technology from Capital City Business College.

In 1972, he was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Germany from 1972 – 1974 as Military Police. He later was stationed in Alaska. Michael was deployed to Kuwait in the first Gulf War and received numerous awards and medals, including the Army Commendation Medal.

In 1978, Michael was united in holy matrimony to Axie Broadway. After he was honorably discharged from the military in 1990, he was later employed at the Employment Security Division in Little Rock for numerous years.

He was preceded in death by his mother Mollie Doris Criner, sister Marion Barber, brothers Theodore Criner and Dwan Anthony Criner, and two special nieces Cynthia Mills and Roshaundra Criner.  

Michael leaves to cherish his memories three sisters Joyce (Fred) Washington of Little Rock, AR, Renea Criner of Stuttgart, AR, and Kimberly Humphrey of Conway, AR; five brothers Calvin (Bronwyn) Criner and Leonardo (Bridgette) Criner, both of Little Rock, AR, Douglass Criner of Orlando, FL, Charles (Willa) White of Pine Bluff, AR, and James White of Austin, TX; stepson Darrel Broadway of Murfreesboro, AR; a special close friend Axie Broadway of Little Rock, AR; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” ~ Psalm 23

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Lynn Criner, please visit our floral store.