Artist, musician, poet, performer, Renaissance man Michael Rawley died peacefully at his home in Swartz Creek, Michigan on July 2, 2025. Born on December 23, 1941 in Kingston, Jamaica, Michael was 83 years old.
Michael occupied his last few weeks with a representative display of his amazing oil paintings at the Greater Flint Arts Council Gallery in downtown Flint. It was his last exhibit and he put his heart and soul into it. Examples of his work can be seen on his Instagram profile showcasing various styles including portraiture, abstract and fantasy. Or do an Internet search for "Michael Rawley Flint paintings" and click on "Images" to see some of his paintings. His art is inspiring and visually stunning. One of his performances involved creating a painting inspired by live jazz music at the Flint Institute of Music (FIM). That painting, titled "Painted Music," is now on permanent display at the FIM.
Michael published his book of poetry titled "Book" in 1982. It was a collaboration with friend and illustrator Gerry Papineau. "Book" was published by Michael s own "Please Press."
But Michael was much more than the sum of his arts. He was a private person and lived a simple and modest life. At the same time he was well-known throughout the community and respected for his talent and intellect. As an activist, he was instrumental in forming a small food co-op in Holly, Michigan. As an ordained minister with a certificate from the Universal Life church, he performed weddings for people whose marriages have stood the test of time.
With his keen sense of curiosity he studied the sciences, religious traditions, visual arts and music. His calm presence and clarity would draw you into deep conversations on various topics. His counsel was sincere, kind and helpful. His vision was profound and he had a deep love of life. Though he s no longer physically present, his art and talent lives on and reminds us of a remarkable man.
Michael was predeceased by his mother Georgia Herrlich, a founding member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Flint and stepfather Jack Herrlich. Together they owned and operated Herrlich s Drugstores in Flint.
Michael is survived by a sister Gael, daughters Natasha, Nova, Maria, a granddaughter Nadia and two grandsons Ty and Bentley.
There will be a celebration of Michael s life at 1 pm, Sunday, August 10 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Flint, 2474 S. Ballenger Hwy, Flint, Michigan.
Please consider making a donation in memory of Michael to organizations supporting the arts such as the Flint Institute of Music.
