Michael L. Pollard

Mr. Michael Love Pollard, age 77 of Dayton, OH was born on May 14, 1946 in Benton Harbor, MI to Herman and Nannie Pollard. He was educated in the Benton Harbor Public School System and graduated from Benton Harbor High School class of 1964. Michael attended ITT Technical institute for two years after enlisting in the United States Air Force. Michael served the nation in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1969. While in the Air Force, he deployed to Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 as an Aircraft Refueler at Danang, AFB. During his service, he was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal for his exceptional achievements. He also achieved the rank of Sergeant, prior to his honorable discharge. Michael, affectionately known as “Mike” and “PaPa” was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was a truck driver for many years and owned several trucks which he thoroughly enjoyed. He retired from trucking in December 2015 to spend time with family and partake in the multitude of hobbies he relished. Mike also loved manicuring his beautiful lawn by spending hours on his riding lawn mower, using his edger to achieve a crisp look on the borders and the backpack blower to clear away the debris. His military-conditioned attention-to-detail carried over into his care so much that he became well known in the neighborhood for his manicured lawn. Mike enjoyed keeping current with the trends, and this helped foster an interest in many game consoles with his grandchildren, culminating in him putting games inside his custom PT cruiser. His ingenuity and ability to combine his passions was unparalleled and infectious. He loved spending time working on and showing off his custom PT Cruiser at many car shows across the United States as a member of the Gem City Cruisers. He won several awards in many different categories, most notably being “Best in Show.” On Sunday, November 19, 2023, God in His infinite wisdom sent His angels to guide Mike home following a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Nannie Pollard; Brother Herman Pollard II; Brother Wayne Pollard and Grandson Antonio Washington Jr. Michael leaves to cherish fond memories and celebrate his life: his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Mrs. Diane K. Pollard; devoted daughters Monica (David) Safreed, Michelle (Joseph) Kirby and son Antonio Washington; Loving grandsons Brandon (Brittney) Waller, Mycah Pollard, Marshall (Jasmine) Trotter, Joseph II (Brandi) Kirby, Bryce Kirby; Loving granddaughters Britne (Sarah) Waller, Tacarra Jones, Temekea Carter; a host of great-grandchildren and other loving family members and friends. Family will greet friends 3:00-4:00 pm on Monday November 27, 2023 at Omega Baptist Church-Harvard Campus, 1810 Harvard Boulevard, Dayton, Ohio. A Committal Service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday November 28, 2023 at Dayton National Cemetery, 4100 West Third Street, Dayton, Ohio. Arrangements in care of The Final Legacy. Words of encouragement may be sent to www.reislegacycenter.com.

Michael L. Pollard

May 14, 1946 - November 19, 2023