Michael R. Tunstall

Michael Ramon Tunstall, 54, made a peaceful transition to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 1, 2013 at Doctors Hospital, Lanham, MD.

Born, September 28, 1958 in Washington DC, he was the son of the late James and Clara Tunstall.

Michael was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Highland Park, Landover, MD where he enjoyed evangelistic and ministerial outreach to the youth. For four years, Michael provided transportation to local performances throughout the area and chaperoned the members of the Duval High School Choir of which his daughter was a member. He lived his life to the fullest and was an avid sports fan and even better athlete. At an early age, Michael's parents recognized his athletic ability and were one of the first families to integrate the Green Meadows Boys and Girls Club, Hyattsville, MD where he excelled in all sports. He played various sports in Junior High and High School. He also played intermural sports while attending Virginia State University. His love for sports didn't end there; he was a member of the Postal Service's Bulk Mail Center (BMC) Titans 2000 Championship Baseball team.

Michael attended school in Prince Georges County, MD and graduated from High Point High School, Beltsville, MD in 1976. Upon graduation, Michael attended his beloved Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA. When he returned home from College, he began substitute teaching in the Prince Georges County school system until he found permanent employment at the United States Postal Service in Capital Heights, MD in 1984. Michael loved his job and he really enjoyed mentoring to the younger employees and talking sports with the "boys".

Michael's health began to decline in August 2012 and received the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in January 2013. During this journey, Michael fought a courageous battle and he was determined to see his daughter Talia graduate from Duval High School and to enter into Bowie State University to play volleyball. God allowed Mike to see this and so much more in such a short period of time.

Michael is survived by his devoted soul mate and wife of 22 years Robin; his loving daughters, Shanez Turpin, Talia and Tamia; his most cherished sister, Jackie T. Bynum and her two children who fondly touched his heart Chyiane and Deames Jamal "DJ"; his dear brother, Wayne and his daughter Jade; his special mother-in-law, Juanita Bowie; his wonderful sister-in-laws, Anita "Fuzzy" Humphries and her daughter Danita "NeeNee" and her son Dennis "Duke" Green, Diane Griffin and Phyllis Beasley and families. He is also survived by a special cousin, Kenneth E. Bryant and his daughter Danielle; his special childhood friends, Low Gaines, Jose Flora, Bob Pollard, David Corbett and Willie White and a host of other family and friends. Mike will be missed by all especially his loving neighbors and First Baptist of Highland Park Church family.

Michael lived hard, worked hard and more importantly loved hard……he never met a stranger, he loved EVERYBODY.