William Aubrey Michael, 87 of Huntsville, Alabama passed away the afternoon of October 2nd, 2018. Bill was a devoted husband, loving and proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lugenia Michael and Noel Michael; his son, Tim Michael; three brothers, Edward, Calvin, and Jim; and two sisters, Frances and Margaret. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Valeria; his two daughters, Deborah Lawing (Byron) and Tammy Findley (Johnny); his grandchildren, Brooke Bell (Andy); Haley Cagle (Scott); Brandon Lawing (Tina); his great-grandchild, William Colton Cagle; two sisters-in-law, Gwen Michael and Peggy Mahoney; and several nephews and nieces. More people than we can count call him “Uncle Bill” or (affectionately) “Grumpy”.
Everyone loves Bill and Bill loves everyone with the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. He demonstrated that love in both word and deed. He was a member of Whitesburg Baptist Church and loved serving as greeter, usher and builder for God. He willingly volunteered his building talents to numerous church projects and other charitable endeavors as well as building homes for numerous family and friends. Bill was a General Contractor for over 50 years having built homes for countless satisfied customers. Having been an Army veteran he served his nation and community well.
A lifelong resident of the city and county, Bill was an all-around athlete who played football, basketball, softball and tennis. He was a running back on the football team at Huntsville High and played on the school’s state championship team in 1946. After high school, Bill signed a professional baseball contract with the Washington Senators. In 2005, he was inducted into the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame. Bill had many amazing accomplishments throughout his life, but he was most proud of his relationship with Jesus. In Bill’s personal testimony he wrote in 2008, he said “you can make All State, All American, All Pro teams, but the team I want you to make is the Master Coach’s team. His name is Jesus. When you do this, you will make All Universe.”
Visitation will be Saturday, October 6, 10-12pm at Whitesburg Baptist Center Chapel. The funeral service will be held at 12pm with Dr. Jimmy Jackson officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Whitesburg Baptist Church.
