Fred "Butch" Michael

Fred Rankin “Butch”  Michael, Jr., 71, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2019 at Ashton Place.   A native of Guilford County, he was the son of the late Fred Rankin Michael, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Durham Michael and husband of Karen Norwood Michael.

Butch operated Michael’s Garage and was a member of Brightwood Christian Church. Butch was a Staff Sargent in the 25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He fought in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star medal with “V” for heroism in action.  He also received the National Defense Service Medal, Parachute Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device and Vietnam Gallantry Cross/w/p.

Survivors include his wife Karen Norwood Michael of the home; daughter, Tammy Rice and husband Chris of Elon; son, Eddie Michael of Gibsonville; grandchildren, Kelsey and Elizabeth Rice; sisters, Patsy Kylander and Kay Sasser and husband Jimmy. Butch was preceded in death by his parents and brother in law, Jerry Kylander.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, December 29, 2019 at Brightwood Christian Church by Pastor Ricky Cox.  Interment will follow at Alamance Memorial Park.

Mr. Michael will remain at Lowe Funeral Home until being taken to the church for services.  The family will receive friends from 4-6 pm Saturday at Lowe Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home of his daughter and son in law, Tammy and Chris Rice; 5011 Windsor Ct., Elon