Michael Sunderland

Michael (Mike) Wayne Sunderland

Enid, OK - Entered into rest Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at his home in Enid, OK, Michael (Mike) Wayne Sunderland, 64, the husband of Julie Ann Sunderland.

Mike was born in Hobart, OK on June 19, 1957, to Bobby and Wanda Sunderland. Mike grew up across Oklahoma-Weatherford, Hennepin, Pauls Valley, Stroud, Enid, Alva, and Warr Acres-as his father pastored and worked in vocational evangelism with the Baptist church.

Mike graduated from Putnam City High School in 1975, where he was passionate in all of his pursuits be it sports, music, drama, or musical theater. He played in theatrical productions such as “Brigadoon,” and “The Diary of Anne Frank,” as well as leading roles in “Bye, Bye, Birdie” and “1776.”

He began his freshman year of college at The University of Oklahoma by serving as a manager of the Sooner football team and beginning his studies in voice and Music Education. He also joined the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, where he made many deep and lasting friendships. Mike’s career focus turned to business and sales. He began working in various sales positions, spending many years as a top salesperson of the Buzztime entertainment subscription service for restaurants and bars, before finishing his bachelor’s degree at Excelsior College (NY).

Mike obtained his Master of Business Administration degree from Kennesaw State University (GA) in 2005. All the while continuing to work in sales in some capacity, Mike purchased a rental property in Henderson, NV, called The Shady Rest-a multiple unit property founded by Mike’s uncle, Tom Cannon, shortly after the end of World War II-which had previously been operated by his parents upon his uncle’s passing. Mike operated The Shady Rest for a number of years, only recently selling and retiring to Enid, Ok. There he continued to pursue his passion for business and manage his local rental properties.

Mike married Julie Ann Phillips on June 5, 2010. At age 53, it was Mike’s first marriage. He was quoted as saying that marrying Ann was “the best thing that had ever happened to him.”

Other family members include his sister, Melody King (Arthur) and his brother, Rev. Tommy Sunderland (Lisa). Mike was very proud of all his nieces and nephews: Jennifer Guido (Jason), Fawn Snowden (Chad), Amy Atkinson (Michael), Katy Gravenor (Tristan), Matthew Sunderland, Paige Sunderland, Mark Sunderland, and Kyle Sunderland, as well as his 10 great-nieces and great-nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby, and Wanda Sunderland, and his brother, John Mark Sunderland.

Viewing is from 8 AM to 9 PM on Thursday, May 5, 2022, and 8 AM to 10 AM on Friday, May 6, 2022, at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.

The Funeral service will be held Friday, May 6, 2022, at 2 PM at Emmanuel Church with Dr. Shonn Keels officiating. Online viewing available at emmanuelenid.online.church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Forgotten Ministries Fund and Emmanuel Enid with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodian of the funds. Condolences may be made, and services viewed at ladusauevans.com.