Michael Austin Pepper

Michael was involved with Boy Scouts of America starting as a Tiger Cub ultimately achieving Life Scout. He traveled with his scout troop to Wales, UK to hike a 50-mile trail of old Roman roads. Also, his scout troop made trips to Belize and the Dominican Republic and participated in projects to help build or repair homes or other structures, hike and provide school supplies and other needs to local children. He was a member of JROTC from his Freshman through Junior years at Lakewood Ranch High School and excelled at his volunteer service.

Michael will be remembered for his kind, funny, loving personality. A sweet, gentle giant who loved being with his friends and family. He was an avid Buc’s and Ray’s Fan. He was a member of the American Poolplayers Association (APA) and absolutely loved playing pool for many, many years. He was known in his pool community and beyond as “Pep Nasty”. We are grateful he found a community in which he was loved and could excel. Every year during tournament time he would say “I’m going to Vegas”!. In 2024, Michael won his last match of team play of the local Manasota Tournament which put his team in 1st place. They went to Las Vegas in August 2024 qualifying for the 9-Ball World Championships. His dream was realized and he had the time of his life!

Michael is survived by his parents, Mark and Sandy, twin brother Justin, Grandfather Joseph Pepper, Aunt’s Debbie Kracus (Tom) and Kim Sarver (Steve), Uncle’s Scott Pepper (Cindy) and Joeseph Pepper II (Tara), Cousins Michelle Taylor, Melissa Jacobs, Britta Sarver, Christa Sarver, Joseph (Tre) Pepper III and Rachael Pepper.

A gathering will be held on Friday, Nov. 15th from 4:00p - 6:00p at Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center at Lakewood Ranch, 4310 Solutions Lane, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Michael’s Foundation at https://manateecf.org/donations/mcf-donation-form/. Please select Michael Austin Pepper from the dropdown list.