Michael Roy Knox (Lansing)

Mr. Michael Roy Knox passed away Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Spectrum Health Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the age of 72 years. He was born in Tacoma, Washington on March 7, 1949, which was a very special day because he shared this birthday with his father. Michael is the son of Lee Jewel and Melvena Clayborn Knox.

Michael’s parents moved their family from Tacoma, Washington to Arkadelphia, Arkansas after his father’s honorable discharge from the United States Army. His father reenlisted and Michael went to live with his Aunt Mattie Lee and Uncle Theo “Uncle Big Brother” McClure, along with their children in Curtis, Arkansas. In 1966, he moved to Lansing, Michigan to live with his aunt and uncle, Aunt Bobbie and Uncle LC Sudduth to attend high school. Michael was drafted and joined the United States Army on June 29, 1968. He served in the Vietnam War in 1969 for 11 months and 15 days. Michael was honorably discharged on June 28, 1971. Upon returning to Lansing, he was employed by General Motors Corporation until he retired in 2007, after over 36 years of service. Michael enjoyed playing cards with his buddies, going to the casinos, betting the horses at the horse track, going fishing, the Detroit Tigers, watching football on TV, and loved to eat fried chicken! His true enjoyment in life was spending time with his children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Michael also had many friends he spent time with. He was a longtime member of New Mount Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Lonnie J. Chipp. He attended services whenever his health allowed him to. Michael renewed his relationship with the Lord and served Him wholeheartedly.

Michael leaves to cherish his memories with his children, Clay Knox, Myka Brady, Tiffany Schrauben, Brittany Knox, and Anthony “Joey” Knox; 18 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; stepmother, Ruthie T. Knox of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; sisters, Wilma “Tootsie” Wheat of Topeka, Kansas and Melva Wright of La Mirada, California; nephews, Randy and Kenny Wheat, Carl and Kyle Wright; special cousins raised as siblings, James McClure, Theo (Debbie) McClure, Ethel Horton, Patricia Walker, Kenneth (Phyllis) McClure, Shelby (Joyce) McClure, Ray (Linda) McClure, Joe McClure, Deborah Sudduth, Johnnie Sudduth, and Rhoadell (Reiko) Sudduth; along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Jewel and Melvena Knox; many aunts and uncles including those who helped raise him, Mattie Lee and Theo McClure and Bobbie and LC Sudduth; special cousin raised as a brother, Eddie Lee McClure; brother-in-law, Larry Wright; son-in-law, Rodney Brady, and his beloved dog, Sandy Boy.