Mr. Michael L. Manning, 72, was born on November 24, 1950, in Winston-Salem, N.C. to the late Mayneal Manning and Bob Steel. He departed this life on Friday, February 3, 2023, at the Veteran's Medical Carolina Pride Community Living Center in Salisbury, NC.

Mr. Michael L. Manning was a life-long member of St. John CME Church. He attended the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and retired from Wake Forest University. Michael was quiet and kind hearted to everyone he met. He loved telling jokes about his life and friendships he met along the way. Michael was the Vietnam historian of the family he could tell in detail the Vietnam War better than any history book or encyclopedia.

He is survived and leaves to cherish his memories one daughter, Erica Johnson (Norman); two sons, Sherman Thompson and Michael Thompson; three grandchildren, Dequan Thompson, Kiera Roper, and Faith Johnson; one great-grandson, Anthony Roper, Jr.;  one devoted sister, Sandra Manning; two brothers, Herman Manning and Larry Manning; one nephew, Stephon N. White; one niece, Stephanie D. White all of Winston-Salem, NC; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Monday, February 13, 2023 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend John A. Dillard, III officiating.  Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12noon on Monday at the Chapel.