Michael DeWayne Rachel

Michael Rachel was born in Jacksonville, Texas, to Jess Tony and Vada Rachel. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Houston, where they lived until 1953 before returning to Jacksonville. Michael graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1962, where he forged lifelong friendships with Dan Henry and Neal Quillin and many others. He attended Lon Morris College before transferring to Stephen F. Austin State University, earning his degree in the summer of 1966.

Shortly after graduation, Michael began a legendary teaching and coaching career with Dallas Independent School District at T.W. Browne Junior High (affectionately known as the "T-Dub"). During his first year, he met Patricia Bransom of Fort Worth, and they married in August 1967. They would welcome two sons: Marc in May 1969 and Steven in January 1975.

As head track coach at T.W. Browne, Michael led his Trojan track team to an unforgettable 1976 season. With standout athletes including Charles Dimwitty, Kenneth Lacy, and many others, the team won every meet, culminating in the city championship. In his later years, Michael loved recounting the moment his team gave him his first victory bath, dumping water on him to celebrate securing the title. Throughout the many springs that followed, he could be found on Saturdays at Sprague Stadium (now James Jones Fields), coaching alongside legendary colleagues Eddie Payne, Ernest James, Billy Russell, Emory Black, and many others.

Michael's teaching and coaching career took him to four additional Dallas ISD schools: North Dallas High School, Sunset High School, Justin F. Kimball High School, and James Madison High School. In the summer of 1991, he joined Tyler Street Christian Academy's coaching staff alongside Curt Wilcox (Head Football and Athletic Director) and Pete Brown (Head Basketball). During this time, Michael helped mentor numerous student-athletes, including a six-year NFL veteran and an NBA Hall of Famer. Tyler Street Christian experienced its greatest football success during these years, capping off with an undefeated 1993 championship season-13 wins and a victory over Muesnter Sacred Heart in Waco.

After dedicating 30 years to Dallas ISD students, Michael retired from James Madison High School in 1996, where he coached his final season under head coach and athletic director Radford Taylor. Yet the calling to teach never left him. He continued for seven more years at Lexington Academy and with Waxahachie ISD. His final coaching chapter included working with elementary students for the little "KC" Texans, where he formed many new friendships with Kyle Ferguson, Elvis "Red" Moten, and countless others.

In his final years, Michael loved spending time at the Red Oak Senior Center, where he never met a stranger. He was passionate about playing Canasta with April, Sue, Nancy, and many others, and he was known for enthusiastically playing the "3 of diamonds" with a memorable "Boom!" when going for the win.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Vada (April 1997), his father, Jess (December 1981), and his brothers Jess Tony Jr., Thomas Earl, and Albert Rachels. He is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Michelle (Marc) and Tanya (Steven); five grandchildren: Marc Anthony Rachel and his wife Natalie, Steven Michael Rachel and his wife Genesis, Melanie Mondy, and Elise Rachel; great-granddaughter Exodus, fur baby Betsy Ross; and countless students, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable life.

HIs celebration of his life will be announced at a later time and date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Red Oak Senior Center. You can contact 214-566-3733 to arrange donations.