Michael Walton Werntz, age 80, from Birmingham, Alabama, passed away December 30th, 2024, after an almost yearlong battle with dementia at his residential facility in Melbourne, Florida. Michael was surrounded by several members of his family - baby brother Gary, and nieces, Carrie and Maureen. Michael was born and raised in Chicago, IL by his parents and had three brothers-Fred, Raymond, Jr. (Butch), and younger brother Gary.  Michael graduated from Hirsche High School in Chicago, IL, and then went on to complete his undergrad at Roosevelt University, also in Chicago, IL.   Michael worked for the Social Security Administration during his working years. Michael graduated college with his master's degree  from the University of Tennessee, and was an avid fan of the Tennessee Volunteers.  He would often attend games back at his old stomping grounds, and if he couldn't attend a game, he would either watch from home or record the games to watch for later. Michael was also a lover of dogs, quite perhaps one of the biggest dog lovers one could ever meet, and his dogs became his companions over the years. Michael also held a special friendship with his long-time next-door neighbors, Kelso and Diane Marrs, who always looked out for Michael and treated him like family.

Surviving family members include brother Fredric (Lois) Jones of San Antonio, Texas, and brother Gary Werntz of Palm Bay, Florida, as well as nieces and nephews. Michael is preceded in death by his parents Eloise & Raymond Werntz, Sr., and older brother Raymond (Butch) Werntz, Jr. Michael's family members have requested that any donations be made to the ASPCA or the Alabama Animal Adoption Society. Arrangements have been made through Ammen Family Cremation & Funeral Care of Melbourne, Florida.