Carl Richard Michelli

Carl Richard Michelli, 81, of Yadkinville, North Carolina, formerly of Byesville, OH, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 18, 1945, in Flushing, OH, the son of Lawrence and Ruth (Ross) Michelli. In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 53 years, Ellouise Michelli; a sister, Marjorie Valykeo; and a brother, Lawrence Michelli.

Carl graduated from St. Benedict’s, Cambridge, OH in 1963. He spent more than 20 years working on oil rigs throughout Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania before continuing his career at Picoma in Cambridge, Ohio, where he worked for 25 years. Carl was never afraid of hard work and took great pride in providing for his family. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War as an aircraft electrician, flying missions with the 37th Air Rescue Squadron. Carl found joy in fishing, boating, coin collecting, metal detecting, and bidding on storage units. He was known for his kindness, quick wit, storytelling, poetry, and deep love of history. A man who could fix almost anything, Carl often said, “There are only two things in this world I can’t fix — the crack of dawn and a broken heart.”

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Carla (Mitchell) Wolford of Mocksville, NC, and Cheryl Michelli (David) of Mocksville, NC; his son, Mike Michelli of Yadkinville, NC; grandsons Gabriel Clark, Christopher (Kyra) Michelli, and Garrett (Alexis) Wolford; great-granddaughters Adalynn Chambers and Paityn; nieces Michelle Valykeo and Mary (Levi) Boyd; great-nephews Noah and Landon Boyd; and nephews, Steve (Krystal), Brandon, & Steve Boyd, who held a special place in his heart. Bob (Debby) Boyd, Terry (Megan) Boyd.

Carl also leaves behind special friends from the oil rigs who became family: Greg and Jeannie Reese, Randy Swigart, and Billy Putnam.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Mountain Valley, especially Amy, RN; Dr. McGrath for his unwavering care and compassion; and the caregivers of Senior Helpers — Jordan, Lori, Shandi, Jessica, and Melissa — for their kindness and support. The family will hold a visitation on Wednesday, May 6th from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M at Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville. A funeral service will follow the visitation in the Gentry Family Chapel with Pastor Ronnie Craddock officiating. Pallbearers will be Mitchell Wolford, Gabriel Clark, Christopher Michelli, Garrett Wolford, Trent Fendley, Caden Birdsong, and Colt Dapolito. The staff of Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville will be serving the Michelli family.