Michael Dwayne Manning Sr.
SFC US Army (Retired) Michael Dwayne Manning Sr. departed this life on Saturday, June 12, 2021. He was born on December 4, 1965, in St Augustine, Florida.
In 1984, Michael graduated from St. Augustine High School. Shortly after graduation, Michael enlisted in the United States Army where he served honorably for 24 years. Initially serving as a 11 Bravo Infantryman, Michael would attend Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at FT Benning, GA. However, after serving four years in the Infantry, Michael would change his military occupational specialty to a 62 Bravo Heavy Equipment Mechanic. This specialty would be in line with Michael's passion for cars. Michael possessed the unique ability to see the beauty in old, used, and discarded vehicles and would use his talents to restore them to pristine condition.
Michael's military travels would take him all over the world, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; FT Leavenworth, Kansas; Heidelberg, Germany; Camp Edwards, Korea; FT Eustis, Virginia, as well as combat deployments to Operations Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and Iraqi Freedom. Michael was awarded numerous awards and decorations to include Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal: NCO Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal, and the Driver and Mechanic Badge. After his retirement in 2007 from the Army until his passing he continued his US Government service as a Department of the Army Civilian working for the US Army Tank Automotive Command as an Equipment Specialist.
Michael was an avid sport enthuses with a special love for the Miami Dolphins. In addition to his love of cars and sports Michael also had an affinity for music and cooking. He loved to play the old school classics from his youth and young adulthood. He would further develop his passion for cooking by enrolling in culinary school where he graduated and shined as the star pupil and received a coveted internship. But more than anything Michael was a family man, placing the love of his family above all else. He would often tell funny stories about his family and beam with pride as he spoke about the accomplishments of children, siblings, and spouse.
Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Mae Smith.
Celebrating his life and cherished memories are; his wife, Judy Tovio-Manning, Daughters: Tiffany (Kaiona) Auyong and Markeshia Manning, Son: Michael Manning Jr., Grandchildren: Kamaile-Marie and Mahina Lei Auyong, Father: Albert (Jeanette) Manning III, Sisters: Cassandra (Gregory) Johnson, Kristen Smith, Brothers: Albert Manning IV, Vincent (Wanda) Manning, Curtis (Maria) Manning, Anthony (Deedra) Manning, Albert Renard (Nina) Manning and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and family members.
Home Going Celebration for SFC US Army (Retired) Michael D. Manning Sr. Will be held Monday, June 21, 2021 at 11AM at St. Johns Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 358 State Road 207, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Military honors will be bestowed by the United States Army and as a requirement of the Army, face coverings must be worn.
For those not able to attend, services will be livestreamed via the following link: https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/549019
St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.