Michael Eugene Willoughby

Michael Eugene Willoughby, “Willoughby” to those who loved and knew him best, transitioned to his heavenly home at the young age of 53 on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, peacefully surrounded by his family. Born on October 31,1967, in Charlotte, North Carolina, he was the son of Ms. Cynthia Campbell and the late Mr. Eugene McDowell. He attended Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Michael loved to talk and he loved people. He never met a stranger and could talk about anything. He would always keep you laughing and he loved to be around his family and friends. He loved and had the utmost respect for the word of God. If you didn’t see or hear him talking with God you would surely hear him listening to some of his favorite gospel artists, like Bishop Paul Morton and Marvin Winans. As his illness progressed, he was no longer able to attend Sunday service at the Park Church with his mother, but that didn’t keep him from reading the word or having her read it to him, for the church was in his heart. He was a loving and kind person and shared a special bond with his mother. He will be sadly missed on earth, but rejoicing in Heaven. Michael was preceded in death by his father; his grandparents, Vernie and Tom Paschal; an uncle, Gary Leak; and a cousin, Arthur Leak. Those left to cherish his love and laughter are his mother: Ms. Cynthia Campbell of the home; sisters, Vernita Higgins (Derrick), Belinda Planter, and Belinda McCollie; brothers, Rodney Campbell, Chantley Jones, Wesley Floyd, and Demus McCollie; aunts, Shermenita Leak (Anthony), Barbara Rorie (Clarence), and Darlene Lewis (Gary); uncles, Curtis Leak (Karen), Tom Paschal, III, William Paschal, and Michael Paschal (Florence); step-daughters, Teressa Vance and Piara Ray; and a host of other relatives, cousins, and friends.