William Charles Michna was born on September 27, 1967, in Houston, Texas, and passed away on June 15, 2026, in Tomball, Texas, at the age of 58.

Willie spent nearly his entire life in Tomball, except for two years when he attended Abilene Christian University in Abilene, where he was a proud member of the Sub T-16 men's social club and a well-known personality on campus.

A devoted Christian, Willie embraced the values of kindness, generosity, and hospitality. He was the kind of person who seemed to know everyone, and it often felt as though everyone knew Willie.

As a young man, Willie was a gifted athlete with tremendous promise on both the football field and the baseball diamond. At age 15, he and his best friend, Brent Ray, were involved in a tragic automobile accident. Brent lost his life, and Willie suffered serious injuries. The accident undoubtedly altered the course of his life, but it would be a mistake to define him by that single event.

Those who knew Willie will tell you that he was one of the toughest people they ever met. His perseverance in the face of extraordinary challenges was just one of the many qualities that made him so remarkable and so deeply loved. Time spent with Willie left a lasting impression. You could not visit with him without walking away with a sense of admiration and profound respect.

Over the years, countless people came to know and love Willie, forming special relationships with him that they treasured. One of those people was the late Tommy Lasorda, Hall of Fame manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Tommy had met Willie before the accident, and his connection to the Michna family endured in the years that followed. One of the enduring stories surrounding Willie's recovery is that, as he began emerging from his coma after the accident, one of the questions posed to him was, "Who is the manager of the Dodgers?" According to the version Tommy later shared in his autobiography, The Artful Dodger, Willie's father asked the question, and Willie responded, "Tommy Lasorda."

Whether every detail happened exactly as it was later told has long been a matter of family lore, but the story became an important part of the Willie legend. And while the particulars may have softened or evolved with retelling over the years, the heart of the story is undeniably true: Willie's love of baseball, his remarkable determination, and the deep affection people felt for him were evident from the very beginning of his long and inspiring journey.

No matter the circumstances, Willie rarely seemed to have a bad day. He was known for his positive outlook, his hard work, and his dedication to rehabilitation. He was a familiar and beloved presence at Tomball Sports Medicine Center, and though he had been unable to attend there for many years, the staff and regulars never forgot him. Without fail, they continued to ask about Willie and remember him fondly.

He was known for his warm spirit and his genuine interest in other people. He always wanted to visit, share a story, or simply enjoy a conversation. In recent years, even as speaking became more difficult, communicating with Willie remained an experience filled with joy, encouragement, and hope. His resilience, grace, and unwavering optimism inspired everyone fortunate enough to know him.

It is often said that someone is gone but not forgotten. That is certainly true of Willie Michna. No one who knew Willie will ever forget him. He will always be missed, and he will always live on in our hearts.

Willie is survived by his parents, Mickey and June Michna; his sister, Suzanne, and her family; his brother, Matt, and his family; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished friends.