Willie Rob Michael Sr

Obituary

Willie Rob Michael, Sr., affectionately known as “Brother” was the son of the late Ella Cook and William Michael. He was born on March 2, 1940, in Bishopville, South Carolina and departed this life on May 11, 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Willie attended school in South Carolina and Florida before relocating to Brooklyn, New York during his early teen years. There, he worked in the construction and demolition fields. Known for his ‘hustle’, can do attitude and entrepreneurial spirit, he eventually started and ran his own business, carving out a niche in demolition construction in New York City for five decades until
his retirement and relocation to South Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son James Timothy Michael, his brothers John, Roosevelt, and Frank Michael, two half-brothers James and Benjamin Michael as well a sister Ola Belle (JoAnn) Prescott. Willie leaves behind to cherish his loving memory and legacy his wife Barbara Michael of Raleigh, North Carolina, two stepdaughters; Yvonne York of Brooklyn, New York and Yvette York of Hackensack, New Jersey, and a stepson; Michael (Joy) York of Allentown, Pennsylvania. From his previous union to Rosa Michael of Sumter, South Carolina, he leaves two remaining sons; Willie Rob Michael, Jr. of Columbia, South Carolina, and Tracy (Regina) Michael of Arlington, Virginia, and three daughters; Lisa Michael of Sumter, South Carolina, Sheila Michael of Sumter, South Carolina, and Cynthia (Elishua) Chatman of Dover, Delaware. Additionally, he leaves behind his dear sister and only remaining sibling, Margaret Woods of Richmond, Virginia, 24 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

***IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, THE FAMILY ASKS THAT YOU SEND ANY CONDOLENCE CARDS OR LETTERS TO 4948 PEBBLE BEACH DRIVE, RALEIGH, NC 27616 C/O BARBARA MICHAEL OR POST COMMENTS USING THE "SHARE A MEMORY" OPTION BELOW.