Born in Burke County, NC on October 20, 1965, he was the son of Howard Michael Rich and the late Brenda Spake Rich.
Michael loved his two children as much as they loved him. He was an avid fan of the Miami Dolphins. He worked at numerous manufacturing facilities including Drexel Heritage, American Roller Bearing, Ingles, and most recently, Food Lion. He was also a cat lover and loved his feline companions, Boots, Romeo, and Ricco.
Michael is survived by his father, Howard Michael Rich (Lynda); daughter, Ambria Rich; son, Tanner Rich; the mother of his children, Brandi White Rich; sister, Julie Rich Stillwell; nieces, Emily Stillwell and Heather Wilson (Andrew); great-nephew, Krue Watts; and an aunt, Judy Rich Clark (Joe).
In addition to his mother, Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rufus and Clema Rich and WC and Rachel Spake; uncle, Daryl Rich; and brother-in-law, Michael Todd Stillwell.
The cremation graveside service will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Braden Martin officiating.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Deepest condolences to the family. I knew Mike my whole life practically. His sister Julie & her spouse and I went to FHS together. Mike was just a decent. honest humble person who never had a bad word to say about anyone. We recently reconnected on Facebook after 30+ years and I was so looking forward to getting together next time I was in Mo'ton. He loved music and we loved to talk about all things 80's. Save me a set on the front row, Brother. It just wont be Heaven if you're not there :(
Me and my husband loved Michael like he was family. One day we seen him walking and I insisted on my husband pulling over so he could hop in the truck with us. We then rode together to grab some food and hung out with him and talked. He always talked about how much he loved and cared for his family. He was extremely grateful and couldn’t thank us enough that day. I met Michael when he was working at ingles and since then me and my husband cared for him ever since then. He always had a smile on his face and we truly will miss it. The last time we seen and talked to Michael was probably less than a month ago and, that was the first time we got to see him since the Hurricane. We were so relieved that he was okay, we instantly went up to him and was talking away. He was happy, and it showed! He always loved to make people smile and he was good at it! Me and my husband will truly miss you Michael but God needed you to be with him. For the family, We’re so sorry for the unexpected loss. I can’t imagine the heartache and pain. But just know he was loved and cared by so many people. Praying for the family in hopes of healing and peace.
He was and still a true Ingles worker he was coming back when the store opens. Im surely gonna miss his morning laughter he brightened the room when you would talk to him. And at the end of the day he told me behave I said "never" you know me by now its not gonna happen Mikey! I'll see you tomorrow. He loved to joke with us @ Ingles. Gonna miss my friend. Rest in Peace Mikey. 💙
I met Michael at Freedom High School through band. We were both trumpet players, and I really enjoyed getting to know him in Jazz Band. He was a nice guy! We recently reconnected while he worked at Ingles as we shared our fun band stories from FHS. Julie, Howard and family, you will be in our prayers.
I met Micheal at Ingles when I went to work there. We got too know each other we laughed and talked I gave Micheal a hard time but he enjoyed me giving him a hard time he worked on register #3 and I worked on register #1 we try to steal each other customers but the customers enjoy us being us they laugh at us. He knew my husband Danny Micheal met Danny when he came in at Ingles it really hurt him when I told him Danny passed away he cried with me Micheal was my best friend I’m going to miss him. Micheal u are with my husband now u two behave your selves Micheal I’m going to miss u we always told each other love u we grow close together
Mike, I remember you from Ingles. R.I.P.
Rest in peace brother
Michael was so kind and humble. He always greeted me with a smile and a hug. I’m so sorry for your loss and will be praying for comfort for your family.