In Memory

Mike Gidley

Michael Andrew Gidley, age 61, of Houston, passed away Saturday morning, September 13, 2014.

Michael Gidley was born October 24, 1952 to Dr. John Lynn Gidley and Betty Jane Boggus Gidley, in Austin, Texas. Mike Gidley graduated from Southwest High ¬School (Fort Worth, Texas), as part of the Class of 1971. He went on to the University of Texas in Austin, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business in 1975 with an emphasis in accounting. He earned his MBA in Accounting in 1979 from Corpus Christi State University (now Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi).

Michael Gidley worked for many years for Sun Oil Company (Sunoco) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as an accountant, specializing in oil industry issues. Most recently, Mike had worked for BP as an accountant in Houston. Mike Gidley served 11 years as a member of the Board of Directors and Credit Committee for Western Sun FCU. Mike was elected Member of the Year (1987-88) of the Tulsa Chapter of the National Association of Accountants. He was a lifetime member of the University of Texas Graduate School of Business Century Club.

Mike was a strong supporter of United Way, having served as coordinator of fundraising events and awareness campaigns in Sun Company's annual fundraising drives. Mike led the way in fostering awareness and support for United Way, and it is notable that Sun Company continued to exceed each previous year of United Way contributions due largely to the superior support Mike provided toward fundraising. Mike was an active member of his children's school and scouting activities, participated in their extracurricular interests, such as soccer, theater, and music. Politically, Mike was active on the local and state level, attended political conventions, volunteered in local political campaigns, and led local monthly precinct meetings at his home. Mike further delighted old and young alike by serving eight years as the company Santa Claus for Sun Company.

Mike Gidley had a lively sense of humor and a distinct passion for American History. He loved to discuss politics and the issues of the day. That passion led Mike to serve as Treasurer for Richard Morrison in his 2003-2004 run against then Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Tom Delay, for the District 22 Congressional seat.

Mike Gidley had a kind and easy going temperament and a wry sense of humor. He was a devoted and proud father, and everyone who knew him knew that Mike had an enormous pride in his children's accomplishments. He enjoyed participating in family events, including the GidleyFest family reunions.

Mike Gidley took comfort in his faith and stressed the importance of faith to his children. He was active in numerous faith-based organizations and was a devoted member of Sugar Land First United Methodist Church. Mike also enjoyed teaching and led several Sunday school classes in the youth ministry of Sugar Land First United Methodist. Most recently, Mike led Bible study at Westbrae Court Retirement Community. He had a keen ear for music, especially for the singing and playing of his four talented children. A favorite song was Amy Grant's "Angels" which has, as part of the chorus: "Angels watching over me, every move I make; Angels watching over me, every step I take."

Mike Gidley was preceded in death by his parents and his infant brother, Robert Allen. He was also predeceased by his maternal grandparents, J.W. "Red" and Elizabeth Berry Boggus and his great aunt, Frances Berry Day, who all helped raise him after his mother's death. He is survived by his children: Danielle Coleson, and her husband, Jared Coleson; George Franklin Gidley and his partner, Steven; Travis Gidley; and Jessica Gidley. Mike is also survived by the mother of their children, ­­née Barbara (Barbie) Petty, née Chamberlain. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: John Mark Gidley and his wife, Bridget; Carol Gidley Wright and husband, Charlie; Dr. Paul William Gidley and his wife, Dr. Milvia Pleitez Gidley; Brian David Gidley; Allyson Morrison and husband, Richard; and Neil P. Gidley and his wife, Maggie; as well as by numerous aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews: JoAnn Boggus Oakes, aunt, sister of Betty Jane Boggus Gidley; Michelle Riley Bell and husband, Kenneth, and their children, great-niece Anastacia Xandrea Bell and great-nephew, Robert Christian Riley Bell; Margaret Clover, aunt; Frances Atkins Gidley, aunt; John Callan Gidley; Edward Gidley; Elizabeth Gidley; Charlotte Gidley; Eliza Wright; Dalton Wright; Gabriel Gidley; Haley Morrison; Austin Morrison; John Lytle Morrison; Julia Morrison; Lauren Morrison; Colin Gidley; Olivia Gidley; and Jacob Gidley. Mike also leaves behind his lifelong friends George Calhoun and Franklin Tuttle.



The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made in his memory to the Baylor Religious Hour Choir (BRH), a ministry of Baylor University; the United Way; the American Diabetes Association ; the American Heart Association ; the PBS Foundation; or the charity of your choice .



Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 18th at 2:00 p.m. at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. The burial will take place on Saturday, September 20th, 1:00pm at Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North Interstate-35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.
 
 

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