Richard "Mike" Angel

Richard 'Mike' Angel passed away peacefully on January 29, 2022 at the LifePath Hospice in Sun City, FL after a long illness. He was 69 years old. Surrounded by family, Angie, his wife of forty years; their two sons Ken and Ryan; grandsons Kaleb and Shane; and Mike's beloved Shih Tzu Dolly were all at his bedside. Mike loved music so the family was sure to have several of his favorite songs and bands playing for him during his final hours.

Mike is survived by his wife, the former Angela LaPole of Hagerstown, Maryland; son Captain Ken Angel, USAF, and grandsons Kaleb and Shane of Robins AFB, GA; son Coach Ryan Angel and wife Tracy and twin grandsons Logan and Reid of Monroe, GA. Mike was so proud of his Angel grandsons and loved being a grandfather.

Mike is also survived by stepson Cary Easterday and wife Tam and son Jon of Seattle, WA; stepson Nathan Easterday and wife Jen and children Grace, Anna, Emilie, Will and Elizabeth of Middletown, DE. Also grandchild, Mylo James of Sacramento, CA.

Mike is also survived by cousins in NC and FL; brother-in-law Chris LaPole of Greencastle, PA, whom he was very fond.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth E. and Vivian Roach Angel; brother Bob Angel; and stepdaughter April Nichols.

Mike was born in Sanford, NC and graduated from Sylvan High School in Atlanta, GA. He enlisted in the Air Force at which time he began his career with basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas. He attended Aircraft Maintenance School at Chanute AFB, Illinois. His first assignment was at McGuire AFB, New Jersey, as a C-141 aircraft mechanic. He was later assigned to the 6th Strategic Air Wing at Eielson AFB, Alaska, as a crew chief on RC-135S (Cobra Ball). He received the Strategic Air Command Master Technician Award.

He was assigned to the 63rd Organizational Maintenance Squadron at Norton AFB, California as an inspection branch team chief, C-141 aircraft. He attended flight engineer school at Shepherd AFB, Texas, and Altus AFB, Oklahoma. Upon completion he was assigned to the 15th Military Airlift Squadron at Norton AFB, California, on the C-141.

He was selected for assignment with the 1st Military Airlift Squadron, Andrews AFB, Maryland, as a C-135 and C-137 flight engineer and instructor flight engineer. He supported President Ronald Reagan, Vice President George H. W. Bush, Cabinet Members, House and Senate members, and all distinguished visitors.

Mike dreamed of seeing the world -- a dream fulfilled as he had been to over 150 countries and all seven continents throughout his flying career. Mike spread joy and laughter around the world during his flying career. After retiring from the USAF, he continued to fly 10 more years for various airlines; Evergreen, Tower Air, and Polar Air Cargo on 747s.

When Mike's flying career ended, he considered his absolute favorite job a Special Needs school bus driver for Hillsborough County. He always said, 'It's the best job I ever had for the worst money I ever made.' He loved his students and admired their parents for their strength. He will be remembered as 'Mr. Mike' and every Friday was candy day for the students, their siblings and parents.

When Mike and Angie retired together, they sold their house and bought a Class A, 38' diesel RV to continue traveling. After all, traveling was in Mike's blood. Together they traveled in their RV to all of the lower 48 states in the United States from 2015-2019 as Mike wanted to see the country he loved so much. They lived in their RV full-time for six years.

Mike will be remembered as a man who always spoke his truth, believed all men are created equal, and learned during his world travels that we're not that different afterall. He respected others cultures, religions, and believed in the importance of coexisting with his fellow man. He loved children and had a special love for his Special Needs children who are living with autism. He admired their parents so much.

Mike's warm smile, his very contagious laugh, his incredible sense of humor and ability to tell a joke at any time, will be the cherries on top of his legacy. We were all truly blessed and lucky to have known the incomparable Mike Angel. He did it his way and you knew exactly where he stood. He will be missed by all.

Mike would want to say one more time, 'Go Dawgs!'