Michael is survived by his wife, Celeste; step-sons, Collyn and Trevor Williamson; grandchildren, Joel Perez and Catalina Williamson; sister, Laura ‘Gigi’ Cox;, brother-in-law, Greg Cox; brother, Robby Fenton; niece, Alex Acosta; and nephews, Robert Fenton, Markham Acosta, and Gregory Cox.
Michael was born in Tampa, FL on September 12, 1955 to Cecilia and Robert Fenton, Sr. He attended Tampa Catholic High School and Florida College. While attending Tampa Catholic, Michael was a stand-out baseball and football player. He earned a scholarship to play baseball at Florida College. Michael worked for the Hillsborough County Recreation Department before beginning his career as an educator for Hillsborough County Schools. Throughout the years Michael worked at Eisenhower Middle School, Jefferson High School, and Brewster Technical School. His passion for coaching and developing young men led to his legendary career as a highly respected high school football coach. He held various coaching positions with Robinson, Plant, Armwood, Tampa Catholic, Jefferson, and Chamberlain High Schools. The pinnacle of his coaching career was as the head coach, leading the Jefferson High School Dragons to a perfect 15-0 season to win the 2010 State Championship. Among the many players Michael developed, some notables are Kenny Kelly, Matt Vogler, Darryl Jackson, Stephen Garcia, Bubba Caldwell, Quentin Williams, Chris Moore, Alex Suber, Alan Suber, Donnie Woods, and Ramik Wilson.
Family was very important to Michael. He was a devoted husband, stepfather, and grandfather. He delighted in spending time with his grandchildren. Michael always looked forward to family-get- togethers with his sister and brother, and niece and nephews, and other family members. He and his wife had the opportunity over the years to travel frequently. Together they explored Hawaii, New York City, Canada, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, the Northeast, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom.
Sports were a big part of his life. He enjoyed many rounds of golf with his friends and stepsons. And he was an avid Buc, Lightening, and Florida State fan. Michael loved to watch games with his beloved dogs, Lola and Charley, and grand-dog, Leo by his side or on his lap.
We invite you to join us for a celebration of his life at Blount and Curry Funeral Home- Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, Florida 33618 on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 2-3pm followed by a service at 3:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
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