Michael Keith Knuckles, a veteran of the Turkish War, went home to be with the Lord on June 11, 2023 surrounded by family. Michael was born February 25, 1955. He was the first of four boys to John Willie and Gloria Roberta Knuckles. Michael and his brothers, Rodney, Perry, and David, grew up in Maple Heights, Ohio. Michael attended and graduated Maple Heights Senior High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1973. As a Specialist 4 for the Army, Michael received education as a Tactical Wire Operation Specialist, and served in the Turkish War in 1974.

Michael was recognized by the U.S. Army for his honorable service and received the National Defense Service Medal and Designated Marksman (Rifle) upon his honorable discharge in 1979.

Michael went on to eventually meet and marry Pamela Anita Torbert on June 27, 1987. They had a family of five children. Michael went on to work a career in welding but transitioned into a career of cooking and worked at Case Western Reserve University, Kent State University, and The University of Akron. He retired from the The University of Akron in 2021.

Michael was a man of many talents. He was known for his unique creative and artistic abilities. Michael was confident, innovative, intelligent, driven, and kind. He was firm yet supportive, and wanted the best for his family! He attended any and every event and had the best sense of humor and laugh! He poured wisdom and knowledge into any who would listen, and always spoke the truth.

Michael was an author and has written several books. He also enjoyed drawing, crafting, and painting and has created several masterpieces. His creative juices were always flowing and there was always a project he was working on.

Michael enjoyed the simple things in life. Most days you could find him relaxing on his front porch listening to jazz, in his room watching Sci-Fi shows or CNN, or out in the yard tending to his plants. His other hobbies were photography, comics, fishing, and collecting items but out of everything Michael enjoyed the most it was spending time with his grandchildren and children.

Michael is preceded in death by his father, John Willie Knuckles, his mother, Gloria Roberta Knuckles, his brother David Knuckles, and his grandparents and great-grandparents.

Michael is survived by his wife, Pamela Knuckles, their five children, Byron Winn, Latrice (Randolph) Walters, Kimberly Knuckles, Kelly Knuckles and Lauren Knuckles; his eleven grandchildren, Isaiah Knuckles, London Carey, Jalea Carey, Kamyia Davis, Naomi Knuckles, Jiada Carey, Carter Knuckles, Jataveean Carey, Khai Davis, Leigh Carey and Legacy Worthy. His brothers, Perry Knuckles and Rodney Knuckles. His mother-in-law, Dorothy Torbert-Hodge. His sister/brother in laws, Karen (Nabeeh) Waheed, Paula Torbert, Gregory (Ernestine) Torbert, George (Fabre) Torbert, his nieces and nephews, Shawn (Brandy) Knuckles, Darryle (Veronica) Torbert, Stacy Torbert, Eris (Damian) Allen, Shaun Torbert, David Knuckles, Tamika Burns, Sharisse Torbert, Megan Torbert, Norielle Torbert, Micah Torbert, Ishmael Knuckles, Makeda Knuckles, Imoni Knuckles, Miles Knuckles and a host of family and friends.

Michael would always say that he would ‘live forever’, and he will live on forever with Jesus and his legacy will live on in his children and grandchildren.