Kenneth Dale Michael, 73, passed peacefully at his home on March 25, 2026 after a long battle with cancer. Ken is survived by his wife of 48 years, Rita Clay Michael, along with his two children Haley Hardwick (Drew) and Stacy Priest (DJ), and his two beloved grandchildren Cayden Bartlett and Kennedy Priest. He was preceded in death by his father Ray Michael.

Ken was born in Huntsville, Alabama, where he lived his whole life. A man of many talents, Ken worked for years as a professional drummer before going back to school to earn his bachelor's degree in elementary education from Athens State University. He then worked as a fourth grade teacher at Blossomwood Elementary where he passionately shared his love of learning with many eager minds. Even in retirement, Ken went back to tutor students at many other local elementary schools making a tremendous difference in the lives of the students he taught.

Always ready with encouragement and endless patience for his students, a spooky story to break up the endless miles of a long, dark road trip, or a well-placed wisecrack to lighten the mood, Ken lived his life unapologetically as himself. He was one of a kind and cannot be replaced. We will miss him dearly.

Ken's Celebration of Life will be held at Berryhill Funeral Home on Saturday, March 28th from 2 to 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Southern Care New Beacon Comfort Care Hospice in Scottsboro, Alabama.