Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1960

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel - Pensacola

2276 Airport Blvd.

Pensacola, Florida

Michael Willett Obituary

Michael Timothy

Willett

1960-2014

Michael Timothy Willett, 53, passed from his temporary home on earth to his eternal one in heaven on Thursday, September 11, 2014.

Michael was born at NAS Pensacola Hospital in Pensacola, FL on November 25, 1960. He was a joy from his first breath until his last one. He was a happy baby and loved by all his family and friends. As he matured he had a special way of saying funny things on the moment to everyone with whom he came in contact. He was always making others laugh, even when he was at his sickest in the hospitals. So many of his doctors, nurses, hospital staff, friends and family have told us that he has made them want to be better people. They said if he could make others want to be happy when he was so very ill, then they could do the same when they were well.

Michael attended East Hill Christian School from kindergarten through the 6th grade and Liberal Arts of Pensacola for two years. He transferred to public schools and worked at Sam's Gulf Service Station in East Pensacola Heights. The station was owned by Michael's grandfather, Sam Magnasco, Jr. He eventually joined the Navy, where he studied and received his GED and studied computers before his honorable discharge in 1991. Since his illness, he has often commented that he didn't have a Bucket List. He said that he had done all the things he wanted to do and been all over the world and saw places he wanted to see.

His love of computers enabled him to work at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola for approximately seven years. He has continued to do computer repair throughout the years since then.

Michael was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 stomach cancer which quickly changed to Stage 4. He fought a difficult battle with bravery and humor.

He is survived by his mother and step father, Mary Ann and Ronnie Moseley of Pensacola, FL and his father and step mother, Ron and Brenda Willett of Palm Harbor, FL.; his loving sister, Melinda Leigh Weems of Cumming, GA; uncle, Anthony Ray (Tony) Magnasco; cousin, Samuel C. Magnasco (Sammy) and numerous other cousins and other relatives. His former wife and special friend, Valarie Stewart Willett has stood by his side throughout this difficult time and been there for the family at all times.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Sam, Jr. and Edith Pate Magnasco and maternal great grandparents, Annie Mae and Robert E. Pate of Pensacola; and paternal grandparents, Beatrice L. and Charles E. Willett of Vienna, VA.

Michael accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on May 26, 2014 @ 9:20 am while a patient in Baptist Hospital in Gulf Breeze, FL. His step father, Ronnie Moseley, led him to salvation. Michael has stated that since that day, he has had peace with what was happening in his life and rests assured that his name is in the Lamb's Book of Life and will live with Jesus for eternity.

The family will receive friends 5-7pm Monday, September 15, 2014 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Funeral Service will be held 10:30am Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Brian Nott officiating. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery at NAS Pensacola, FL.

Michael's family would like to thank the doctors and staffs at Baptist Hospital in Gulf Breeze, FL, the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL and Covenant Hospice at West Florida Hospital for their wonderful and professional care given to Michael and our family and friends. Also to the Hospice nurses who stayed with him day and night and cared for him lovingly and tenderly.

Pallbearers will be Michael's skateboarding and surfing friends from his childhood: Fred Esposito, Fred Coury, Marty Jacobs, Rip Hanks, Charles Thomley, Bill Sheffer, Ed McManus, and James (Jamey) Jones.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials in memory of Michael be made to Covenant Hospice of Pensacola, 5041 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola, FL 32504 or the charity of your choice.

Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Sep. 14, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Willett

Not sure what to say?





Melinda Weems

September 8, 2020

I miss my brother more as each day passes. I miss his wit, sassy attitude on occasion, knowledge of computers, and so much more. My family and I and several of his friends think of him often and we always reminisce of our crazy times together. He will never be forgotten.

Mike & Mel

Melinda Weems

September 25, 2014

I lost my brother, my best friend, my hero. I am thankful to have had the last 10 years with him and I cherish every moment. I miss him more than words can ever describe and I'm thankful that my family & I were with him until the end. Mike loved his family (including his former wife, Val) who has been by his side from day 1. My brother and I will always have a bond unlike any other and I will hold on to all the memories I have (like when he tried to teach me how to surf). I love you with all of my heart & soul, bro. Until we meet again.....Little sis, Mel

Terry Marshall

September 18, 2014

My prayers and condolences go out to the family; he will always be a part of my Naval family.

Jeffrey Fry

September 17, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow...I served with Mike in the Navy in the mid 1980s.

Dan "Stretch" Dendauw

September 17, 2014

Prayers to all of you. Mike and I were stationed together in Jax in the late 80's. Great friend and shipmate. Until we meet again. Fairwinds and Following Seas!

Ed McManus

September 16, 2014

Mike you will be missed. From my family to yours we send our sincere condolences. I'll always remember the fun times we had skateboarding. Even at our reunion skate session you still had such smooth style. Always a great skater and friend. Peace be with you and all of your loved ones.

Mari, John and Julia Carroll

September 16, 2014

I know these past few months have been more than difficult, but surely all the love provided to Mike gave him comfort. Please take care of yourselves and one another in this time of healing, and rely on the memories you have to give you comfort. Our entire family will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Faye Enzor

September 16, 2014

My condolences to all of you. I know you have had very difficult times but have stayed strong because of your faith. My prayers are with you.

Carmen

September 15, 2014

Mary Ann, Ronnie, Melinda and Val, I am so saddened to learn of Mike's passing. I always loved him like a little brother and he will be missed by many. May God help you all as you grieve and peace to you all knowing that he is resting peacefully with our sweet Lord.

Mike Trimble

September 15, 2014

Mike was a good friend,always quick with a laugh.Much love to him and his family.God bless.

Lauren

September 15, 2014

Valarie, you are such a strong woman in this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. ♥

Wendy Fountain

September 15, 2014

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Judy

September 15, 2014

My sincere condolences to Mike's family and friends.

September 15, 2014

Rest in peace. You were loved more than you know. I will see you again soon in heaven.

Valarie Stewart (Willett)

September 15, 2014

Forever (10/22/05)

Valarie Stewart (Willett)

September 15, 2014

You had the word "Forever" engraved in our wedding bands,you will always be my forever. I am so very humbled to have been given the blessing of sharing the last months of your life with you...and in the end I was able to be at your side as you left this world. I feel so fortunate that we were able to say everything we need to say to each other and that the love was still there. You said "thank you" to me everyday but Michael I want to thank you for being the love of my life. The former Mrs. Michael T. Willett and in my heart always Mrs.Michael T. Willett.

Bill Mielniczuk

September 14, 2014

I am saddened by Mike's passing, yet happy in the knowledge that he accepted Jesus as his Savior. My prayers are with all of Mike's family and friends. It was a pleasure to know him and have his friendship when we worked together at PCF.

September 14, 2014

Ronnie and Mary Ann, my heart goes out to you, and I just want you to know that I have been praying for Michael and the two of you. God has him now.

Jenny Mills Winsor, Lake Martin, AL

Jean Barker

September 14, 2014

Mary Ann and Ronnie, may God continue to sustain you during these day of loss and sorrow. I know you're thankful that you'll see Michael again one day when you, too, go to the arms of Jesus. Love you.

Nancy

September 14, 2014

I did not know Michael nor do I know the family. I just want to say that it blessed my heart to know Michael accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior on May 26. What a glorious day that was! It was also my birthday so I had another reason to celebrate. I pray God will comfort each of you and give you peace in your hearts knowing he is with Jesus.

Wayne and Kris Clayton

September 14, 2014

Mary Ann and Ronnie, we are so sorry for your loss. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. God bless and keep you.

Tony Johnson

September 13, 2014

Ronnie & Mary Ann, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Kate & Watson Kyzar

September 13, 2014

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Billy & Peggy Allen

September 13, 2014

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Robert,Annette,William Pate

September 13, 2014

Dearest Mary Ann , Ronnie , Tony, Valarie ,and Family, Our Heartfelt Sympathy to each of you. Michael holds a Special place in so many peoples Hearts, He will be Missed. God's Blessed Hope of Salvation , PROMISES us we will see & be with each other again . HOLD ON TO GOD's UNCHANGING HAND, FOR STRENGTH,COMFORT,& LOVE.GOD BLESS.

Edith B. Bryan

September 13, 2014

Ronnie & Mary Ann, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time.

September 13, 2014

Ronnie and Mary Ann, Agnes and I wish to extend our sincere sympathy to you and all the family. Our intent was to be with you at this time but a previous commitment prevents us from coming. You are in our prayers.
Ramon Stroud

Tina Davis

September 12, 2014

Ronnie and Mary Ann,
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

Lisa

September 12, 2014

My prayers are with you and your family and Valarie, my friend. My heart breaks for you. Praise the Lord, Michael received Christ as his Savior and we'll see him in Heaven one day soon.

September 12, 2014

Ronnie and Mary Ann,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Margaret Phipps and family

Michael Knoblett

September 12, 2014

Sorry for your loss. Michael was a damn fine man, great Sailor and a good friend. I am going to miss him. God Bless you all during these trying times.

Cam Villar

September 12, 2014

I am thankful that I could call Mike a friend, my life is the better for having known him. We shared many good times together that I will never forget. Rest well, Mike until I see you again one day!

September 12, 2014

You are in our prayers and thoughts.

Sandra, Charles, and Mary Warren

Jeffrey Blair Sr

September 12, 2014

Mr. & Mrs. Moseley, you have my very deepest condolences. Michael is safe & resting peacefully.

Mary Ann & Robert Jones

September 12, 2014

Words do not come easy, but certainly from the heart to express our heartfelt sympathy in the passing of your dearly beloved Michael. Ronnie & Mary Ann, we have prayed daily that Michael would have healing and find comfort and peace. He has that peace now. I admire you both for finding the strength to stay by his side and give him the love and comfort you so bravely have. My prayer for you in the coming days is for God to take away all your worries, give you love and strength to heal and adjust, wipe away your tears, hold Michael dear in your hearts and rejoice that he is now in the house of the Lord forever. Amen God bless your family and friends who are saddened by the loss of Michael.

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Willett's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Michael Willett

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel - Pensacola

2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32504

How to support Michael's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Willett's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more