Michael Dwayne Berniard was born to the late Vivian Inez Bryant Berniard on Sept. 18, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. Michael gave his life to the Lord at a young age and remained a devoted Christian. Faith was very important to him. Later in life he became a member of Victory Life Church and regularly attended with his children and grandson. Michael was very competitive and worked hard to be the best. He played football, basketball and track in junior high and high school. He played running back on the football team, earning numerous All-District and All-Area honors. Michael graduated from Bangs High School in 1988. After graduating from Bangs High School, Michael attended Howard Payne University where he played football. He met Tina Cooley-Harper in 1989 and was married on Oct. 1, 1993. To this union was born two loving children, his son Marcus Dwayne Berniard and daughter, Rachael La'Nelle Berniard. Michael and Tina divorced in 1999, but continued to co-parent their children. He was employed at Superior Cable for over 20 years as a line operator. He also coached his son throughout his life in soccer, football and baseball. Michael faithfully attended the athletic events and activities of both of his children whom he loved dearly. Michael was a devoted son, dad, brother, uncle and friend. Michael passed away peacefully on July 8, 2017. Michael Dwayne Berniard leaves behind to cherish his memories his only son, Marcus Dwayne Berniard and wife Selena of Early; his only daughter, Rachael La'Nelle Berniard of Austin; his only grandson, Jayden Ray Berniard; siblings, Christopher Noell Berniard and wife Nisha of Dallas, Brian Paul Berniard Jr. of Brownwood, Rhonda Gizelle Jefferson of Brownwood, Tammy Berniard-Smith and husband Ken of Brownwood; mother of his children and friend, Tina Cooley-Harper; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 14, 2017 at 2pm at the New Testament Holiness Church, the visitation will also be held at the church Thursday July 13, 2017 from 6-8pm.