Final Salute

Grand Rising, Michael “Mike” McCloud Sr. went to “Fly on the Wings of Ra” on May 3, 2026, in Columbus, OH, USA. Michael was a professional bodybuilder dubbed “The Eighth Wonder of The World.” Displaying the same mind-boggling definition that would make him the FIRST World Natural Bodybuilding Federation “overall” world champion. He didn’t stop there; he wanted others to achieve greatness too. Sharing his expertise in herbal medicine, nutrition, and bodybuilding with anyone, anywhere, and at any time. He mastered wholeness in his mind, body and spirit. Michael was born in “The Great State of Pennsylvania” in the City of New Kensington on Feb. 5, 1951. Where he graduated from Ken High (Red Raiders), known today as Valley High School. During his high school athletic beginnings, he was an overall outstanding athlete. Excelling in wrestling and football, he always spoke highly of Coach Bitar and Coach Hawkins. Michael continued his football career with the Twin Boro Apache Football Team “22” and played in the winning championship game of 1975. After graduation he proudly served in the United States Navy “Seabees” during the Vietnam era. Michael boxed and played football, “Baby Love,” for the Navy during his service. Also specializing in heavy equipment operations, “Lightweight Ain’t Nothing but A Grapefruit.” After his honorable discharge he carried his heavy equipment operator skills to the state of Pennsylvania (PennDOT), the city of Columbus, OH, and Enviro in Columbus, OH. He always said, “I’m still learning,” and he wasn’t just talking. He studied to “Know Thyself,” and his quest for Truth included expeditions to Egypt and Ethiopia with his “Kemet-Nu Family,” where he earned certifications in history, civilization, pyramids, temples and tombs. Michael loved Marvel, and he could imitate any superhero AND outdo them too “I am the night.” At the Valley Points Family YMCA (in New Ken by the Tracks), they called him “The Living Legend,” and he called that “Y” his second home. He was a professional dancer and model and loved listening to the radio. One of his favorite talk shows, “The Carl Nelson Show,” nicknamed Michael “Freedom-Bridge.” Michael said, “Nature is my religion and the earth is my church. ” Michael is a proud African descendant with Blackfoot lineage. Michael is survived by his wife, Deborah McCloud-Brackney-Warner. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Madeline (Trammell) McCloud. His paternal grandparents, John and Stella (Arnold) McCloud. His maternal grandparents, William “The Bicycle Man” and Mary (Holloway) Trammell. His brother, Leonard Nichols-McCloud; and his son, Michael Jr. Michael Sr. is survived by five of his six children. His daughter, Cochele Durand-Wilson-McCloud (Charles); and children, Gabriel, Jamal, Sade, Idalis, and Lalime. His late son, Michael McCloud Jr., and children, Victoria, Michael, and Derek. His daughter, Denee McCloud (Godson-Poole Family). His son, Valdez Hailes-McCloud (Megan); and children, Camryn and Tyson. His son, Vilonte McCloud (Megan); and children, Trinity and Vilonte Jr. His son, Verron McCloud (Lauren); and children, Verron Jr. and Miana. Michael is survived by two sisters and four brothers: Sherry Nichols-McCloud, Joanne Montgomery-McCloud, Henry McCloud, Todd McCloud (Elaine), Mark McCloud (Mia), and Robert McCloud (Mathew). Michael is survived by five stepchildren, Paris Smith; Rabrena Warner (DaeVar, RosaLee, and IzReal); Halua Warner (Travis, Laylah, and Milah); Raymond Warner (Brooke); and Fontessa Warner (Antonio and Kardi). Michael thanks his children’s mothers (Joyce, Carolyn, Roberta, Linda, Jencie, and Deborah). We all love you, Michael. Viewing will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington. A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 1150 Asa W. Roberts Way (formerly Fourth Avenue), New Kensington. Anyone attending the service should go directly to the church. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Arnold.
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Published by The Valley News Dispatch on May 12, 2026.