Michael Delaney, 70 of Sequatchie was called home on Saturday, August 2. On October 30, 1954, he was born to the late Bishop Delaney and Ruby Short Delaney in Paris, Kentucky. Michael was married to Jane Wright Delaney for 12 years. He was in the United States Air Force for 23 years. The plane he flew in the service is on display at the Air Museum in Tucson, Arizona. Michael enjoyed fishing and boating with his grandchildren. Michael enjoyed going to the National Drag Boat Races, casinos and traveling in the RV. Michael loved his grandson’s WWII enactments, all sports, especially football with the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs, as well as his dog Brewster.
Michael is preceded in death by his father Bishop Delaney, mother Ruby Short Delaney and sister Sharon Carroll.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife Jane Wright Delaney, sons Bradford (Stacy) Delaney and Michael (Rachel) Delaney, step sons Jesse Martin and Justin Martin, step daughter Jamie (Scott) Stanton, sister Beth (Steve) Coulter, grandchildren Katelynn Delaney, Oliver Delaney, Elijah, Caleb and Gideon Delaney, step grandson Grant Martin, several nieces, nephews, other family members and special friends.
There will be a private memorial at a later date.
“I Flew”
When the last checklist is run and the bagdrag is over
I will reminisce of the days I once knew,
I will not remember the 3 AM alerts
But only that I flew!
I will not remember the crew rest in tents
Nor recall how cold artic winds blew,
And I’ll try not to remember the times I got sick.
But only that I flew!
I will never forget when nature became angry
And challenged my intrepid crew,
And I’ll always remember the fear I felt
And pride in knowing I flew!
I will remember the sights my mortal eyes have seen
Colored by multitudes of hues,
Those beautiful lights on cold winter nights
Seen only by those who flew.
God was extremely good to me
And let me touch his face,
He saw my crew through war and peace
And blessed us with his grace.
So when I stand at Saint Peter’s Gate
And tell him that I’m new
I know he’ll smile and welcome me,
Because he knows
I flew!
By: Brad Baker
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Tate Funeral Home, LLC, 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, Tennessee 37347, 423-942-9500.
The Marion Tribune – August 7, 2025
