Michael Lewis Scales, Sr.

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Life’s Reflections

ichael Lewis Scales Sr., 63, was born October 8, 1957, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Robert Scales (preceded him in death) and Dessie Ree Spencer Scales.

Michael’s walk of faith in Christ started at an early age at New Bethel Baptist Church, where he remained faithful until his health failed.

Michael served as a doorkeeper on the Junior Usher Board, sung melodies to heaven with the Youth Choir, was active with Red Circle and Sunshine Band, and devoted participant with N.B.C. and B.T.U. Yearning for learning continued regularly by attending Sunday School. His passion for sports was evident with the Robert Scales Athletic Ministry. He was one of the speakers for the New Bethel Jr. Grizzlies Banquet. Michael was enthusiastic about partnering with Essie Grandberry(fiance’) to teach a class in VBS (Vacation Bible School) this year.

Michael attended Caldwell Elementary School, Longview Middle School, and was a proud “Scrapper” graduate of SouthSide High School, 1975.

“Coach” Michael Scales played football and baseball at SouthSide High School, where he had many accolades and awards ranging from all City in Football to being voted most athletic in 1975. Lincoln University in Jefferson, Missouri, is where he started his college and football career, and he ended up at Middle Tennessee State University, where he finished his football career. After graduating in Spring 1982, he jumped right into coaching while working at the VA hospital as a corrective therapist. This is where he found The Lady Raiders and Lady Merchants Softball Teams in Murfreesboro, TN. The Lady Merchants taught him the organization and time needed to run a team, which he carried into his next career.

Teaching and coaching were his passion, but it was in his blood from seeing his father coach baseball for the youth in the South Memphis Community. Michael taught for over 30+ years and earned numerous teaching accolades from receiving grants, running health fairs, and helping or mentoring as an Athletic Director.

From Dr.Tina Bozeman, “he helped shape the physical education standards. He was instrumental in helping to develop state standards that aligned with national standards. The work of which he contributed made a meaningful difference for students across the state.”

He coached high school football, baseball, and girls track for over 15+ years at SouthSide High School and Whitehaven High School. This is where he instilled discipline and a hard work ethic in his athletes. His track teams in the ‘90s were some of his best teams because of the dedication from those ladies. That made for some of the best times in his coaching career, and he always spoke highly of them. He went on to become an Athletic Director at Hamilton and Sherwood Middle before retiring in 2017.

On Tuesday, September 14, 2021, God called Michael’s name to study war no more.

To cherish his loving legacy, he leaves his Mother: Dessie R. Scales, of Memphis, TN; three sons: Michael L. Scales Jr., (Shanesha) of LaVergne, TN; Robert M. Scales of Memphis, TN; Andre’ Q. Scales of Murfreesboro, TN; five grandchildren: Marvarious Scales of Memphis, TN; Shyla and Michiah of LaVergne, TN; Amani and Amiya of Murfreesboro, TN; two sisters: Carolyn Wright and Jacqueline Scales of Memphis, TN; one brother: Terry Scales Sr. (Tequila) of Memphis, TN, Fiancé Essie Grandberry of Memphis, TN; Tough Brother (Football-High School); MaGallen Askew of Memphis, TN; host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Celebration of Life Saturday, September 25, 2021 11:00 A.M.

New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church 7786 Poplar Pike • Germantown, Tennessee 38138 Rev. Dr. Donald R. Ester, Sr., Pastor & Officiant

Prelude Processional............................................................................................Family of Mr. Michael Scales, Sr. Instrumental Music........................................................................................................Bro. Conklin Davis Scripture Readings:

Old Testament.......................................................................................Rev. Frank Cunningham, III

New Testament......................................................................................................Rev. Nolan Sledge Prayer........................................................................................................................Rev. Samuel Randolph

Expressions

(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)

Bro. Charles Seaton Bro. Marvis Davis Southside Girls Track Team Essence Cole

Musical Selection......................................................................................................................Praise Team “Almighty God”

Expressions

(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)

Bro. Jeffery Woodard Bro. Mark Moore Deacon James Williams

Words of Comfort..................................................................................................Deacon William Shields Musical Selection......................................................................................................................Praise Team “Move Upstairs”

Reading of Obituary................................................................................................................Read Silently Resolution..........................................................................................................................Sis. Lina Nelson Acknowledgements..........................................................................................................Sis. Marcie Smith Solo..................................................................................................................................Rev. Janice Davis Eulogy..........................................................................................................Pastor Dr. Donald R. Ester, Sr. Recessional....................................................................................................................Releasing of Doves

Dad We Love You!!

Growing up as a whole, we did not show it much, nor did we say it. However, if anyone were to ask us, we knew for a fact that you Loved Us. If we had to put you into words, we would have to say you were Positive and God-Fearing. We could count on you to provide words of wisdom, them corny jokes lol, and the motivation needed to ensure we were headed down the right path for adulthood. The life lessons and values you instilled in us have made us into the men we are today.

You made it a habit to make sure we knew to look out for one another and not hold grudges. Your boys are Together, as you’ve always wanted. That two-step turn after you bowl; the jokes, your smile, and your enthusiasm about football are going to be missed!

Rest in Peace, Daddy. Watch over us.

We Love You! We Love You! We Love You! Your Sons MJ-Rob-Tez

Beyond Tears My Son, My First Born Michael Lewis Scales, Sr.

I Love you beyond words/tears You were an incredible son who Loved your Mother dearly.

You did so much for me. I appreciate You and love you in this life and the next.

Never forget how much I love you.

I miss you.

God Bless your soul.

Your Dear Mother, Mrs. Dessie Scales I Love You

Since we were born, he was with us every step of the way. We miss our grandfather. When we heard that he passed away, we, including our parents, were devastated. We had all sorts of things to do and tell, but God said it was time for him to go.

He wanted his best angel back. September 5 was the last time we saw him and talked to him while he slept. We will cherish all the memories he gave us and the love he shared. We will always keep him close, in our hearts and mind. You were the best grandfather anyone could ever have.

Shyla and Michiah Scales

We hope Papa feels better, and we love him and miss him.

Amani and Amiya

Mike, you gave no one a Last Farewell Nor did you say GoodBye; you were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why. A million times, we will cry. If love alone could have saved you, you never would’ve died. In life, we love you dearly. In death, we love you still. In our hearts, you hold a place no one else can fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, the day God took you home. We will meet again someday; I know in a better place. And we thank God for the time we had with you while you were here on Earth.

Lil Bro (Terry) Carolyn and Jacqueline

“Our Coach”

Let me say this. Coach had a very influential part in making me the woman I am today. He was hard on us and demanded the best from us, but because we respected him and they loved him and track...we were the best and left everything we had on the track...no excuse.

The best coach ever.

Paquita Redmond Coach Scales taught me, even though things get hard, never to give up. Running track for him was one of the hardest things I did in high school because of all the hard work and dedication it took, so every day after practice, I wanted to quit, but he had a way with words and a famous saying that pushed you...I was young and didn’t fully understand then, but he was setting us up for LIFE... that things will be tough but to never give up or quit.... and for that, I thank him.

Melissa Ewing Coach Scales was one of the few coaches who fought for me from day1! He believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. He is one of the main reasons I coach today! I will always be indebted to him for that. I will repay him by caring for kids that I coach like he cared for me!

Kevin Jones

Michael, my journey with you started at 15 ended and reconnected 44 years later. I’m trying to understand why you came back and left me so soon! But God assures me, you did not go away.

You walk beside me in memory every day.

Your lively never dies but passes into loveliness as I remember all the good done by you for others without being selfish in your doing and giving. This gives me consolation knowing that you helped somebody along the way and your living was not in vain.

What we enjoyed I can never loose, it had become a part of me. Your life blessed me in so many ways and made me so happy. Grief never ends, but it changes. It’s a passage not a place to stay. Things change daily but the love I have for you will never pass away.

Sweetcake Essie

~ Acknowledgements ~

If people like me didn’t know people like you, Life would lose its meaning and its richness, too.

For the friends that we make are life’s gift of love, And I think friends are sent right from heaven above.

And thinking of you somehow make me feel That God is love, and He’s very real. To Pastor Ester, First Lady, Carolyn Ester, our New Bethel Church Family, The SouthSide “Scrappers” family, and to our guests and Friends, we would like to “Thank” each of you for your prayers, words of encouragement, and every gesture of kindness.

~ Honorary Pallbearers ~

Andre’ Q. Scales Terry Scales Michael Scales, Jr. Magellan Askew Robert M. Scales Lu Mattox Marvarious Scales Michael Wynn (SouthSide Class of 1975)

~ Active Pallbearers ~

Mark Moore Tremayne Scales Jaylen Johnson

Conklin Davis Willie Moore Earl Horton

~Committal Rites & Interment~ New Bethel Cemetery 7786 Poplar Pike (Southern) Germantown, TN 38138

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