Michael Ray Zylks, age 66 of Franklin, TN passed away September 2, 2017, surrounded by family and friends after a heroic fight with cancer. Mike was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on May 20, 1951. Mike had lived in 28 states by the time his family eventually made their home in Orange, Texas in 1966. After a short time in college, Mike entered the NAVY and became a SEAL, serving two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. Introduced by a cousin, Mike met Sandra Spikes in Vivian, Louisiana in 1986 and they were married shortly thereafter. Mike inherited two children in the marriage, Jeremy and Katy, whom he loved and raised as his own. They made their home in Orange, Texas where Mike worked for Chevron as a Process Operator and served on the Emergency Response Brigade, which brought him into contact with the Texas Industrial Fire Training School. His career lasted almost 40 years. Community Church in Orange was dear to him, and he loved and served with the Men’s Discipleship Group. Mike was an artist and loved to draw and paint. After retirement, Mike and Sandra moved to Franklin to be near their children and grandchildren who best knew him as “Poppy”. Mike loved New River Fellowship, especially canoe trips and camp outs with the men of His church.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Sam Gencil Zylks,Jr. and Katie Alexander Zylks and his brother, Jerry Lynn Zylks. He is survived by: wife, Sandra Spikes Zylks; son, Jeremy (Ariel) Brasher; daughters, Katy (Bucky) High and Heather Martin; grandchildren: Hudson, Lena, and Remy Brasher; Tatum, Shepherd, Georgia Kate, and Willow High; William, Chris, Blake, Haley, and Skyler Martin; father in law, Charles W. Spikes(97) and brother in law, Gary W. Spikes. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at New River Fellowship with Pastor Keith Roberson officiating. Graveside services were held at 1:00 PM Thursday, September 7, 2017 at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Family and friends served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were the Friday morning Men’s group in Orange, TX and Texas Industrial Fire Training School Instructors at Texas A&M. Memorials may be made to New River Fellowship, 1153 Lewisburg Pike, Franklin, TN 37064. Visitation will be 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Tuesday at WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 615 794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com