Bill Michaels

Radio/TV Executive

Bill Michaels, age 95, died of natural causes in his home in San Antonio on August 10, 2012. He is survived by two daughters, Mickey Michaels of Austin, Betty Westbrook of Houston, and a son Larry Michaels of Gardner, Colorado. His wife of 62 years, Helen, died in 2000. They had 6 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Michaels began his career in San Antonio as a sports writer and sportscaster in 1938, then managed radio station KABC from 1940 until it was sold to Storer Broadcasting Co. and merged operations with TV Channel 5. In 1954, Michaels was promoted and transferred to manage the Storer TV station in Detroit, WJBK Channel 2.

The family lived in the Detroit suburb of Bloomfield Hills for 12 years as Michaels worked his way up to President of Storer Broadcasting in 1966. At that time he was moved to the company’s home office in the Miami area.

Bill and Helen lived on La Gorce Island in Miami Beach for almost 30 years. He served as CEO and then Chairman of the Board for Storer until his retirement at age 65. A few years after his retirement, they moved back to San Antonio. Bill’s primary focus during his retirement years was the support of numerous worthy causes to benefit animals.

Memorial services will be held at Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio 78229 on Wednesday, August 15 at 3:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to San Antonio Humane Society (www.SAhumane.org) 4804 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, TX 78229, Best Friends Animal Society (www.bestfriends.org) 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741 or charity of your choice. Cards or letter to the family may be sent c/o Ms. Mickey Michaels, 6608 East Hill Drive, Austin, TX 78731 ([email protected]).