Harry Lewis Michaels

Harry, who was a veteran of both World War II and Korean War, was born August 4, 1924, in Andover, New Jersey, to Herman and Esther Michaels. His family moved to Miami in 1925 when Harry was six months old. In 1929, his family moved to West Palm Beach and Harry graduated from Palm Beach High School in 1942.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and underwent training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. His on-board service during World War II included seeing action in the South Pacific.

Following the end of World War II, Harry enrolled at the University of Florida and received his baccalaureate degrees and his Juris Doctorate in five years. He was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1951.

He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. Following his service, he joined the Office of the Palm Beach County State Attorney. In 1958, Harry moved to Tallahassee where he practiced law for over fifty years.

In 1982, Harry married Lou and the happy couple spent thirty-three years together and traveled throughout the Unites States, as well as visits to Mexico and Canada.

Throughout his legal career, Harry was dedicated to the practice of law. On two occasions he served as a member of the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar. He also served as President of the Tallahassee Bar Association. He was an active member of the Real Property, Probate Law and Trial Lawyers Sections.

Harry was an avid supporter of the University of Florida and his beloved Florida Gators. He loved his family, his dogs, history, riding his tractor, socializing on his back deck and music. He never stopped enjoying life and at the age 80 he began to play the piano.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Harry Michaels, Jr. (and wife Patricia) of Fort Collins, Colorado, John Michaels (and his wife JoAnn) of Tallahassee, Melissa Hilleary (and husband Billy) of Hawthorne, Florida, and Charles Michaels of San Francisco, California. He leaves eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Ruth Michaels.

Harry chose to be cremated. The family will have a private memorial service at a future date.