Michael David Whitis Jr., 21, from Phoenix, Arizona unexpectedly went to be with Jesus in the early morning hours of July 28th, 2018 in Payson, Arizona on the Houston Mesa Rd near Shoofly Ruins. We grew up spending summers at a family cabin along this road and had many great memories there. Michael took "friends" to see the sunrise at the Shoofly ruins with Steven Brydie, Brenda and Mike Roberts, and Kaylie Brown whom was dating Steven at the time. Steven shot my brother point blank, while my 7 ft tall brother was sitting in the back of the mini van they drove to the lookout, However, we have never been given the full truth from Brydie, Roberts, Brown, or the court. Steve shot him in the neck and we can only hope that he went quickly. Instead of remorse, these four tried to lie and cheat their way out of sentencing. Steven was the only one convicted and got a mere 15 years / 2nd degree manslaughter charge. Brenda, Mike, and Kaylee walked free despite being there, not calling police, and providing made up accounts of what happened that day. Michael didn't deserve to be treated that way, and met the worst fate possible because he was naïve and trusting, and got taken advantage of.

When our mom moved up to Payson permanently, Michael came to live with her and had become a member of the community, working at places like Big Lots, Subway, and lastly Wal-Mart in town. He was a friend to many and the best little brother we could ask for. He loved basketball, making jokes (often about his height), and spending time with his family and friends. Michael loved Jesus and encouraged others to pray before meals, before basketball games, and was always a "yes, sir" "yes, ma'am" kind of kid. He was just a kid, and will always be 21 in our minds. Never getting to experience graduating from college, marriage, or a family of his own.  

Mikey was born on October 29th, 1996 to Anastatia and Michael Whitis and his three older sisters Emma, Jess, and Sarah. Michael attended grade school at ANLC, Tavan and Ingleside in Phoenix. He then went to middle school in Deer Valley and found his true passion: basketball. He attended High School at Forrest Hills HS in North Carolina, where he lived with our dad and step mom for the duration of high school.

After high school, Michael was recruited to play basketball for the Harford Fighting Owls in Baltimore. He was so excited to go to college but unfortunately got caught up with the wrong people in Connecticut and had to return to Arizona after about a semester of attending. He struggled with severe mental illness and was living life completely on his own, and he was just too far away from his supports to be successful. He was always close with our mom and she was happy to have him return home to Payson. He had only been there for a short time before he was murdered.

 If you knew him, you loved him. Our worlds have changed so much since he's been gone and I hope that he is keeping guard of all our past animals, like Maddie and Sam Sam. He had rib crushing hugs that he reserved for his most special people when they really needed one. He always let me bum a smoke even though I was his older sister and never bought my own. He would finish any leftovers you had and had fun going out with family. He had a childhood best friend (Connor) and his best friend (Threi) in Payson, among many others. He loved a caramel frappuccinos, going to the movies, loved Star Wars, Chuck Norris, his Lincoln Navigator, but most notably he loved his Mom, Dad, Step mom, and sisters--Emma, Jess, and Sarah with more fierceness than we can ever try to comprehend. We were lucky to have him for 21 years, but he deserved so much longer. A great friend, brother, nephew, grandson, and more. High five Jesus for me and know we will never ever forget you. 

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