Michael Shugart

**Michael Evan Shugart** Michael Evan Shugart, age 66, passed away Thursday, March 26 surrounded by the love of his family and loving wife. He was born on May 19, 1959, in Austin, Texas, to Welton T. Shugart and Carol Jean Shugart. Michael was raised in Dripping Springs, Texas, where he graduated from Dripping Springs High School. His life was defined by hard work, devotion to family, and a deep sense of faith. Michael met the love of his life, Pamela Creswell, in Morganton, North Carolina. The couple married on February 13, 1993, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at Lake James, North Carolina, and together they shared 33 years of marriage. Over the years, Michael and Pam made their home in several communities, including Morganton, Raleigh, and Washington, North Carolina, Troy, S.C. as well as Glentana and Fairfield, Montana. Michael proudly served in the United States Navy, where he distinguished himself as a Brigade Flag Bearer and became a "Plank Owner" aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier. He also earned the title of Shellback and served on deployments across the Mediterranean, including Cuba, Italy, Spain, France, and Greece. During his service, he trained as a Machinist Mate Fireman, Boiler Operator, and Chilled Water/Refrigeration Specialist. He continued his technical training in nuclear systems related to aircraft carrier operations and carried that discipline and knowledge forward throughout his professional career. Professionally, Michael worked in the construction and industrial fields as a Construction Superintendent and Project Manager. He served as owner of S&F Construction and later worked with James Talcott Construction, Great Falls, MT in commercial project management. Earlier he worked in the petrochemical industry with Formosa Corporation in Point Comfort, Texas. He was known as a reliable, solutions-oriented leader whose knowledge and work ethic earned the respect of colleagues and crews alike. Michael was a man of deep faith and character. He held strong Christian values, had a deep knowledge of Scripture, and lived his beliefs through kindness, generosity, and unselfishness and compassion. He enjoyed collecting Zippo lighters and knives, fishing along the Gulf Coast, and deer hunting with both bow and rifle. Those who knew him best remember his humor, loyalty, and the way he cared for his family and friends. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Shugart of Fairfield, Montana; his children, Paul Evan Shugart of Glasgow, Montana, Rachel Jungo (Angel)of Astoria, Oregon, Kameron Gress (Mark) of Clemmons, North Carolina, and Kiley Edwards of Morganton, North Carolina; Sister Sharon(Phil)Holbrook of Palacious, TX and his brother, W.T. "Dub" (Joy) Shugart of Indianapolis, Indiana. He is also survived by nine grandchildren-Taylor, Tanner, Trinity, Alexandria, Michael, Madison, Alyssa, Leah and Ian and five great-grandchildren, Weston, Zepplin, Trooper, Ellie, and Kodi. He was preceded in death by beloved family members, his parents, W.T. and Carol Jean Shugart, Palacious TX, his father-in-law, Joseph W. "Red" Creswell, Lake James N.C., his sisters, Pat(Bill) Carpenter of Taylor TX, and Evelyn Gauna, of Tempe, AZ, along with other treasured relatives-Aunt Betty, Robbie, Eddie, Troy, Pamela and David. Michael often shared two favorite reminders that reflected the way he lived his life: "That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger," and "Anything is possible with God's help." Those words remain a legacy of strength and faith for all who knew and loved him.