Roll Call Tribute

Michael Douglas McAfee 

February 6, 1942 - March 14, 2024 

Mike was an incomparable individual whose love of family and friends, unrivaled passion for Oklahoma Sooner football, entrepreneurial and business achievements, and countless contributions across Texas communities most notably, his childhood romanticism of and desire to share the true spirit of the ranching way of life embodied a person possessing a ‘tell it like it is’ philosophy with unparalleled wit and humor.

Mike began his career in Wichita Falls, Texas opening a Shakey’s Pizza Parlor with his wife Ann. They opened franchises in Denison and Longview, but Mike and Ann made Wichita Falls their home for over 20 years. They raised their four children in “The Falls” and left an indelible mark on a community they both so loved and where they made loyal, lifelong friends. As Mike’s career progressed, he found himself transitioning from The Pizza King to The King of Beers, where he successfully stewarded Falls Distributing Co., the local Anheuser-Busch wholesaler. He celebrated many successes and milestones with the company, but his penultimate achievement was the Texas Ranch Roundup.

Mike and Ann moved to Houston in 1987 where he joined Silver Eagle Distributing. Mike’s dedication to Anheuser-Busch continued as a key contributor on the Silver Eagle Corporate Team. People were always the highest priority during his tenure as they achieved the number one position in the marketplace. Mike’s philanthropic endeavors continued in Houston with his support of The Make a Wish Foundation and American Cancer Society.

Continuing their life journey, Mike and Ann moved to Galveston Island where he joined Del Papa Distributing for the remainder of his career with Anheuser-Busch in various executive leadership roles. Mike became a cherished member of the Del Papa family and left a legacy of achievements during his 22-year tenure. From innovative operational optimizations and strategic community-driven event marketing to leading the efforts for the 100th anniversary celebration of Del Papa Distributing commemorating the storied history of the Del Papa family and enterprise, Mike’s many contributions paved the way for the company’s successes to this day. Working alongside Larry Del Papa, Mike helped create the Del Papa Distributing Company College Scholarship endowment, serving thirteen community colleges and four-year universities across the gulf coast, a project of which he was deeply proud.

Mike’s pursuits did not end with his retirement. He decided to return to the days when he paused his academic career in the 1960s to become an entrepreneur. Always wanting to finish his undergraduate degree, he resumed his studies at Texas A&M University Galveston and graduated at the spry age of seventy-four with a Bachelor of Science in university studies. He thrived in the classroom where he shared his wisdom, insights, and breadth of knowledge with students starting out in life. While his heart was forever Sooner crimson red, he proudly wore his Aggie ring.

While his countless achievements throughout his life have left an enduring legacy, his family was always his highest priority, pride, and joy. Knowing he is with Ann brings us peace and comfort as we say goodbye. We love you Dad.

Mike is survived by three children, Jodie McAfee, Carrie Bishop, and Erin Edgington, and his two grandchildren Michael and Maggie Bishop.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mike can be made to:

The North Texas Rehabilitation Center: Online Giving - North Texas Rehab (ntrehab.org) 

The Make a Wish Foundation: Donate - Make-A-Wish

West Texas Rehabilitation Center: Donate - West Texas Rehab

West Texas Boys Ranch: Donate (wtbr.org)