William Michael Priest Rock, known to family as “Michael” and to friends as “Rock” or “Mike,” was born December 3^rd, 1974, in Jacksonville, FL. He became a part of the Rock Family at 22-months-old when his world changed forever. His loving parents, Daniel Rock and Sheri Priest Rock adopted Michael after being unable to have children of their own. They were beyond excited and joyful to bring this beautiful blond-haired, hazel-eyed boy home to them in New Port Richey, FL.

Michael, 47, passed away in his home in New Port Richey, December 25, 2021. While here on this earth, Michael’s absolute favorite pastime was fishing. If there was a body of water and Michael had access to a line and a hook, he made sure to turn it into a fishing pole. As our Dad would say, there was never a fish that he could not catch. Being by water, brought Michael a sense of peace and tranquility, therefore he made it a priority to be there every chance he got.

Michael and his Dad, Dan, made fishing together a priority and Dad will miss his favorite fishing buddy. Growing up with mostly sisters, Michael was the big brother who loved to do pranks and make people laugh, especially if it was at our expense. Up until he passed away, he continued to apologize for the “torture” he put us through. To me, it wasn’t torture, these are now some of my fondest memories.

One of Michael’s greatest joys was the day he became a father to Kiley Nicole Rock (20). This past year he was also blessed to meet his first granddaughter, Kataleya. He was so proud of them!

We will miss his pranks, his voice, his smile, his sense of humor and his passion for those he loved. Anyone who knew Michael, knows he loved big. He was also known for his quick wit, his infectious smile and laugh, as well as his love for body art (tattoos). He was a hard worker and the most artistic and talented tile-setter I have ever seen. He loved the outdoors and recently began an apprenticeship doing irrigation that he was really enjoying.

We truly believe that Michael is fishing in heaven, with the greatest catch of his life–in the loving arms of Jesus.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Kiley, granddaughter, Kataleya, his loving parents, Daniel (Mary) Rock (New Port Richey, FL) and Sheri Rock (DeLand, FL), his brother, Lucilo Mercado Rock (DeLand, FL), his sisters, Rebecca “Beki” (Shawn) with Cait & Ryan (DeLand, FL), Heidi (Collin) Wright (DeLand, FL) with Clayton, Tyler & Luke, and Katie (Troy) Richley (Thompsonville, MI) with Connor & Callie. Michael was also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as his close friends.

A memorial service will be held honoring Michael on January 16, 2022, at 1:30pm at Dobie’s Funeral Home in New Port Richey, FL (8825 Old County Road 54) with a reception to follow at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club Palm Room (RSVP to Heidi by January 11^th for head count).