Harry J Michael was born in St Louis, Michigan to Stan and Eunice Michael. After moving to Big Rapids, Harry graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1954. He then enlisted in the Michigan National Guard and served for two years before enlisting in the United States Navy. During his tour Harry served as an Airframes and Hydraulics mechanic as well as an aircrew member on several aircraft types. While in his role as an aircrew member his aircraft was involved in a mishap that garnered international media attention after crashing into mountains in southern Spain during a snowstorm. All crew and passengers survived. Harry had many stories from serving aboard aircraft carriers and warmly remembered his time living in Naples, Italy.

Harry served four years in the navy and in 1961 he returned to Big Rapids to raise a family, study, and work with his father at the Michael Oil Company. He received a BA in Business Administration from Michigan State University in 1963. Stan retired in 1973 and Harry became president of the company. He ran it until 2005 and remained active with the company for many years after.

Harry kept himself very busy. A driving force in his life was service to God and reaching souls with the word of God. He spent decades and countless hours working with the Gideons International distributing many thousands of bibles. He also worked with Forgotten Man Ministries at Mecosta County jail weekly for almost 20 years.

Being a busy man takes a lot of time and Harry loved spending his time being with family, hunting, fishing, flying as a private pilot, raising cattle and bees, and making maple syrup. Traveling was a constant pleasure and he was fond of long family road trips and camping. He drove to 49 states and would have driven to Hawaii if it was possible, but had to fly there. His favorite place was actually the woods behind his house. He loved hunting in the woods, working in the woods, and simply sitting in the woods enjoying the beauty and peace of it.

Memorial donations can be made to Big Rapids Salvation Army.

Visitation will take place at 10:00 am and a Memorial Service followed by a luncheon will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 15, at Charity Baptist Church located at 20980 20 Mile Road, Paris, Michigan, with Military Honors.

To share a memory or leave a condolence with the family, please visit, www.daggettfuneral.com