Harold Joseph “Mike” Michael, age 62, of Parsons, WV died Sunday, November 24, 2013 at his home in Parsons. Mike was born September 1, 1951 in Mt. Vernon, OH. He was the son of the late Joe Michael and is survived by his mother, Joann Michael of Thomas, WV. He is also survived by two sons, Seth Michael of Parsons and Johnny Bailey of Arlington, VA; one brother, Joe Michael and wife Jan of Parsons; three sisters, Mary Heflin of Elkins, WV, Charlotte Michael and Louise Michael of Morgantown, WV; nephews, Ryan and Joshua Michael, Corey Heflin, Joey Michael and nieces, Micah Michael and Jonnette Michael. He was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Buckhannon and was attending Our Lady of Mercy in Parsons. Mike was a 1970 Graduate of Stafford High School in Virginia, and played football for his father, Joe Michael. He attended West Virginia University on a Full Scholarship from 1970 to 1974, playing for Coach Bobby Bowden. Mike started his teaching and coaching career in 1975 at Buckhannon Upshur High School. He served as Head Coach at Tucker County, Buckhannon-upshur, Philip-barbour and Greenbrier East High Schools. Mike retired from teaching this past year from Greenbrier County Schools and was residing in Parsons at the time of his death. Mike Michael devoted his life to the profession of teaching and coaching. In the late 90’s, Mike worked with the foster care program and became father to two young sons. Seth, a sophomore at Tucker County High School and Johnny Bailey who works for the Defense Department in Washington D.C. Mike lived his life like he coached. He was a person of discipline, character, preparation, and faith. He demanded this of himself as well as those individuals that played ball for him or coached with him. The family of Harold Joseph Mike Michael would like to thank all who kept Mike in their prayers all the phone calls, visits, and cards over the course of the last year during his battle with cancer. We also wish to thank the many friends who assisted in his care and the Hospice group. Gathering of family and friends will be Tuesday, November 26, 2013 from 5-9 PM at the Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home with a Prayer Service at 6:30 PM. A celebration of Mike’s life and Mass will be held 11 AM Wednesday in the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Buckhannon with Father Timothy Grassi and Father Ron Nikodem, S.M. as celebrants. Burial will follow in the Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Coach Michael Fund at Citizens National Bank of WV 213 3rd St. Elkins, WV 26241 . A fund set aside for local Athletes in line with Coach Michael’s wishes. Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
