Dr. Michael C. Pelfrey

 

Dr. Michael C. Pelfrey
Dr. Michael C. Pelfrey

Dr. Michael C. Pelfrey, 83, of Amarillo, TX went to be with the Lord on March 10, 2022.

Dr. Michael C. Pelfrey made the world a better place simply by being part of it. Everything he did reflected peace and God’s love.

Dr. Pelfrey was a psychologist and was active in many areas of our community here in Amarillo. He was endlessly engaged with life and positively affected people everywhere. He was full of wonder and curiosity about everyone and everything! He embodied his faith through kindness, compassion, generosity, and unconditional love. He spent his life working for peace and justice as he consistently espoused the sacred worth of all people.

Michael Pelfrey was born on October 2, 1938, in Wichita Falls, TX to Henry Pelfrey and Virginia (Leatherman) Pelfrey. He was raised in Abilene, TX, by his uncle P.E. “Pete” Shotwell and aunt, Ura “Perk” Shotwell. He was blessed with 3 brothers: Richard, Tim, and Kit. Michael graduated from Abilene High and McMurry College and received a Master’s degree in English from Michigan State.

After serving in the United States Air Force, where he attained the rank of Captain, Michael received a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. He taught psychology at the University of South Carolina and went on to practice in Colorado and Virginia before settling in Amarillo, TX, where he practiced for thirty years. He was particularly proud of his later work counseling our nation’s veterans.

In addition to his work as a psychologist, Michael was a gifted actor and singer, donating his time and talents to performances with Merely Players, Amarillo Opera, and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church choir. Dr. Pelfrey was a lifelong enthusiastic supporter of the arts, an avid reader and film buff, as well as being a lay preacher in the Episcopal Church.

Above all, Michael Pelfrey loved his family. Continuing to carry his legacy of light and love are his wife, Sandra; son, John; son, Robert and his wife Jamie; stepson David Bobbitt; grandson, Colby; granddaughter, Maddie Jane; brother, Tim; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, April 9th, 2022. Anyone who loved Michael is welcome to attend. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Michael’s memory be made to Amarillo Opera or to the High Plains Food Bank.

8 Replies to “Dr. Michael C. Pelfrey”

  1. First met Michael in Jack Dunham’s class at UT Austin. Remember lively dinner conversations with him and Sandra at annual psychology meetings. A voracious reader and curiosity about art and literature. I will always remember his smile and zest for life. He was my friend and colleague.

  2. Michael was a good friend to me. Would always make sure he got time with me at professional conferences and would visit me in my home town when he was in the area. He literally gave me the shirt off his back on more than one occasion. Loved the guy! He will be missed!

  3. Everyone that knew him knows he is in a much better place. He believed in others even when they struggled to believe in themselves. I just found out the news, and I’m afraid it came at a rather difficult time already. However, Pelfrey was a wonderful person and he is much missed. May peace and comfort be with the family.

  4. Everyone that knew him knows he is in a much better place. He believed in others even when they struggled to believe in themselves. I just found out the news, and I’m afraid it came at a rather difficult time already. However, Pelfrey was a wonderful person and he is much missed. May peace and comfort be with the family.

  5. We send Sandra, Robert, family and friends of Michael, our most sincere sympathy for your loss. Hugs & love, Sally and Richard Osborne

  6. Sandra, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I always enjoyed Dr. Pelfrey when he would come to visit at Emerson. Will always remember his smile.
    Irma Walker

  7. How can any of the Ko Sari Brothers forget the great times with Pelfrey……… his enthusiasm for life and love to each of us.
    I am confident that God’s Grace will sustain all his extended family in the this time of loss.

  8. I have always admired Michael’s loving and compassionate demeanor and attitude and his absolutely sparkling positivity.
    He will be sorely missed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *