Hit-run victim half-brother of Monongah’s John Michael

Raymond Michael, half-brother of John Burton Michael of Monongah, was killed by a hit-and-run driver.

Raymond's obituary:

Raymond "Ray" Michael

Raymond Dale "Ray" Michael, 37, of Fairmont was taken home to our Lord on March 30, 2014 after being killed by a hit and run driver in the early morning hours.

He was born in Fairmont on January 17, 1977 a son of Joyce Andrews Michael of Fairmont.

Raymond attended Fairmont Senior High School. He loved sports and participated in baseball, softball, basketball and fishing during his teenage years, and continued to love fishing and took his children fishing right up until his death. He was a beautifully talented artist, something few ever got to see, and a great cook.

He was an accomplished carpenter and builder who loved working with his hands and being part of the physically strenuous and creative process, before a severe back injury made that no longer possible. Despite his injury, he kept going and his tenacity and will to dream was something he hoped to pass on to his children. He made friends easily and will be missed by many. He was very loyal to his family. He was a loving, patient father, who was never happier than when he was spending time with his children.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his maternal grandmother, Betty F. Andrews of Fairmont, and three children, Krystiauna Lynn Gillespie (12), Nathanial Cade Michael (11), and Ozzmond Ray Michael (2), all of Fairmont.

Also surviving are three sisters, Judith Dawn Michael of Fairmont, Erica Lynn Michael of Morgantown and Elizabeth (Michael) Hicks and her husband and their two children of Ingram, PA, a half -sister, Patricia Mary Michael of Morgantown and a half-brother, John Burton Michael of Monongah.

He will be greeted in Heaven by his maternal grandfather, Donald Raymond Andrews and his paternal grandparents, Dale and Helen Michael.

Family and friends may call at Carpenter and Ford Funeral Home, 209 Merchant St. Fairmont on Thursday from 1-8 pm and Friday from 10-11 am. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Friday, April 4, 2014 at 11 am with Rev. Clyde W. Beard officiating.

In keeping with Raymond's wishes, his body will be cremated following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice in Raymond's memory.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.carpenterandford.com