Michael met Joanna Chambers in 1980 and they were married on his birthday, October 22, 1988, in St. John U.S. Virgin Islands. They enjoyed traveling to the islands and many trips to Las Vegas.
Michael loved jazz music, coin collecting, and was actively engaged in the financial markets.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years Joanna Pankey; Delores Pankey Spicer and husband, Pat; Mildred Pankey Simmons and husband, Jerry; Hugh Pankey; Melissa Pankey Cain and husband, Briscoe; along with many nieces and nephews.