GyBill
06-05-2009, 05:15 PM
WINSTON-SALEM - Mr. Orpheus Alphonzo Michael, age 84, departed this life, Sunday, May 31, 2009 at KBR Hospice & Palliative CareCenter. He was a resident of Oak Forest Nursing facility since 2006. He was a native of Winston-Salem, born March 7, 1925, to the late Orpheus Michael and Willia Michael Wallace. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his only brother, Julius E. Michael. He attended the local public schools and was a 1942 graduate of Atkins High School. He completed a tour of duty in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired from the U.S. Military Sealift Command of the U.S. Navy after 32 years of service. He was a member of St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully, until his health failed, as a Deacon, former Financial Secretary, Sunday School Teacher, Chairman of the Sick Visitation Ministry, and member of Ruth Missionary Group. He was a member Emeritus of the Forsyth County Deacons' Union, where he served as Former Financial Secretary. He was an avid Volunteer at NC Baptist Hospital for many years, where he logged in more than 10,000 volunteer hours. He leaves to cherish his memories and celebrate his life, his loving and devoted wife of 34 years, Rev. Gretha G. Michael, one stepson, Rev. Floyd E. (Cassandra) Neal, III; one stepdaughter Elder Cassandra Neal Williams; Five grandchildren Kerry L. Neal, Chelsea (John) Price, Nicholas Neal Byron, Mychal (Katie) Thomas, and Kevin (Karen) Thomas; Six great grandchildren, a devoted cousin, with whom he was raised as a sibling, Mrs. Willia Mae Gray; Two sisters-in-law, Ida Michael & Nancy G. Armstrong, a devoted niece Turquoise Erving, and a host of other relatives and friends, including his extended family, Mr. & Mrs. E. Ray Byron and children. Also two of his devoted caregivers Val and Tondrea and the entire staff at Oak Forest Nursing Facility and Hospice & Palliative CareCenter. Funeral Services will be conducted on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at 1:00 p.m., at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church , with Dr. Joseph R. Samuels, Pastor Emeritus, officiating. The family will meet with friends from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. Johnson-Howard-Robinson Home of Memory is in charge of services arrangements.