Michael Joe Outz, born on January 27, 1954, in Greenville, South Carolina, passed away at home on September 12, 2026, leaving behind a life that was full of love, laughter, hard work, and just enough mischief to keep everybody on their toes.

He was the kind of man who could walk into a room and make it better without even trying. Michael was loving, funny, and selfless, which is a rare combination, because most people only manage one of those before lunch. He had a way of making people laugh when they needed it most, and he never seemed to run out of stories, opinions, or perfectly timed comments that made everybody else shake their heads and smile at the same time.

Michael spent 30 years at Michelen US1, where he showed up, worked hard, and did what he was supposed to do without making a big speech about it. That was just who he was. He believed in doing a job right, being dependable, and keeping things moving. He also proudly coached youth sports, where he gave his time, his energy, and probably a few unforgettable instructions that the kids and parents alike will never forget. He cared about young people, and he wanted them to learn, grow, and have fun, even if fun sometimes came with a little extra coaching from Michael.

He enjoyed the simple things in life, and he enjoyed them fully. Fishing gave him peace, painting gave him a creative outlet, and Georgia football gave him a reason to feel strongly in public. Yard work kept him busy, driving around with his wife and getting lost gave him entertainment, and aggravating others was, in his own special way, one of his favorite hobbies. He had a gift for harmless trouble, and he used it well. If there was a button to push, Michael probably found it, smiled about it, and acted surprised when everybody reacted.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia, who shared in his adventures, his jokes, and his talent for turning a simple drive into a full expedition. He leaves behind his daughter, Tonya Outz Alexander, his son, Cannon Outz, and his daughter, Felicia Whitney. He was a proud grandfather to Kyle Culbertson, Zachary Haney, Cameron Rosen, Ashlyn Outz, Arianna Outz, Levi Messer, Ivy Messer, and the late Michael Culbertson. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Hunter, Caroline, Tate, Brantley, Elli, Layla, and River, who brought even more joy to a family already full of it.

He was preceded in death by his father, Julius Outz, his mother, Marie Outz, and his sister, Rosanna. He is also remembered by his brother, Randall Outz, along with a family that will carry his memory forward with love, laughter, and probably a few stories that start with, “You would not believe what Michael said this time.”

Michael’s life was a reminder that being a good man does not require a grand stage. Sometimes it looks like showing up every day, working hard for 30 years, coaching kids, loving your family deeply, and making people laugh until they forget what they were upset about. He did all of that and more. He was the kind of man who left a mark not by trying to be important, but by being himself, which turned out to be more than enough.

He will be missed in every room he used to brighten, every road he used to ride, every ball field he used to coach from the sidelines, and every quiet moment that now feels a little less funny without him. His family and friends will remember his warmth, his humor, his stubborn charm, and the way he made life feel a little lighter just by being in it. Michael Joe Outz lived a full life, loved well, and left behind a legacy that will keep smiling long after the laughter fades.