Roland Joseph "R.J." Michael

RICHMOND, Ind. – Roland Joseph “R.J.” Michael went to dance with the angels on Wednesday, September 3, 2014, at the age of 71, surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly. He passed away unexpectedly at IU Health in Indianapolis, despite the wonderful care provided by Dr. Nicholas Zyromski and his team. They saved his life multiple times and gave us more precious time to spend with R. J. Born October 10, 1942, in Richmond, Indiana, to Samuel P. and Wyvonna Ruby Michael, he was a life-long resident of this area. R.J. served in the United States Navy. He worked in telephone repair and was a PBX Technician for GTE and Verizon, retiring after 29 years of service. R.J. had a strong work ethic and a very sharp sense of humor. He was a President of the Communications Workers of America Local #4780. R.J. so loved helping the working man. He was an animal lover and would feed the deer and birds that came into his yard. R.J. was a pilot of a small Cessna Aircraft, loving the freedom of soaring through the sky. R.J. was the beloved husband of Sarah Faye Mays Michael to whom he was married on July 30, 1965. They recently celebrated their 49th anniversary. He was the loving father to Sheryl Totten of Richmond; grandfather to Jonathan Joseph (Kierra) Totten and Olivia Brooke Totten, both of Richmond; and great-grandfather to Julian Joseph Totten of Richmond, who was his pride and joy. He will be missed by his brother, Phillip Michael of Richmond; sisters, Linda (Clair) Awong of Pearl City, Hawaii, and Esther (Gordon) Mack of Centerville; many nephews and nieces, especially Keri, who went above and beyond being a niece; and also, dear friends and work buddies, Gary Apple and John Dillman. Visitation for Roland Joseph Michael will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 6, 2014, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 6, 2014, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Pastor Christian Mays officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Help The Animals, Inc., P.O. Box 117, Richmond, IN 47375. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Roland Joseph "R.J." Michael

October 10, 1942 - September 3, 2014