On July 1, 1950, Michael was born in the city of Berkeley, California.  He was one of six children born of Thomas and Lubertha Anderson.  The family lived in Richmond, California where Michael attended public schools before attending Golden Gate Academy in Oakland, California where he graduated in 1968.  Michael is remembered by his classmates "as a good guy…who always brightened up someone's day and made them smile."  He excelled in intramural sports on the field and on the court.  He was considered by one classmate as the "fastest runner in the school".

Michael enrolled in San Jose State University where he studied in Liberal Arts.  He was an astute student and became an activist and member of the Oakland Chapter of the Black Panthers in the fight for social justice in addressing the inequities among the African American communities in the Bay Area.

As noted, Michael loved sports—baseball, basketball, and developed a passion for golf.  He honed his golfing skills while working as a caddie on several notable courses in the San Francisco Bay Area, including Lake Merced, San Francisco City Club and Harding Park Golf Clubs.  He wasn't afraid to match his skills against the old pros, which resulted in him being affectionately called "Money Mike" after he left with their dollars in his pockets.  Michael also shared his golf skills with a number of young aspiring golfers.  Michael was also known to be a shrewd poker player and loved to have a good time bluffing other players with his skills.  Michael enjoyed regular warm conversations with his mother who loved these treasured memories.

Michael married Cynthia Mitchell and to this union his one child, Angela, was born.  To celebrate his life, Michael leaves to cherish his precious memories, his mother (Lubertha), five siblings (Carole, Anthony, Thomas, Lynda, Ora),  three grandchildren (Marcus, Eric, Gabriella), a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, caring friends and devoted companion, Diana Henderson.