Michael Rumley Obituary

Michael William Rumley, 79, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 17, 1947, in Fresno, California, to Alfred William Rumley and Carmen Murphy Rumley, Mike lived a life defined by service, curiosity, and wholehearted dedication to the people and passions he loved.

Mike taught AP U.S. History and other subjects for more than 33 years, most of them at Clovis West High School. In addition to teaching, he coached a wide range of sports and academic teams, including basketball, football, and Academic Decathlon. At Clovis West, he served as History Department Chair and became the announcing voice of the Golden Eagles' home football games, earning the title "Voice of the Golden Eagles." He also led the school's annual History Day program and continued to serve as an AP U.S. History exam grader well into retirement.

A proud graduate of Fresno High School's Class of 1965, Mike excelled in multiple sports and was honored as an All-American in basketball. He went on to attend Fresno State, graduating in 1969 and becoming a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. It was at Fresno State that he met the love of his life, Phyllis Kay Weigand. The two married in December 1967 and built a partnership full of humor, loyalty, and shared adventures. Though Phyllis was the horse enthusiast of the family, Mike-despite refusing to get on a horse-took care of them faithfully and embraced country living with heart. While living in Sanger, he biked daily in the summers to run the Sanger community pool overseeing swim lessons and the lifeguards.

Outside the classroom, Mike was an avid golfer who joined many groups and won several tournaments. He served on the board of S.I.R.S. (Sons In Retirement) and was known for his competitive spirit and easy camaraderie on the course. At home, he was a passionate cook and home brewer, frequently winning the BBQ contest at the Fresno Fair, as well as chili cook-offs. His award-winning "Sleepy Time Ale" earned him certification as a brew master.

In 2018, Mike and Phyllis moved to Fort Mill, South Carolina, where he continued to golf, cook, and share his talents with his community. Most recently, he won "Best Soup" at their retirement community and was a frequent participant in America's Test Kitchen activities.

Mike is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis Rumley; his sons, Christopher and Nathan; his daughters-in-law, Jillian and Miranda; and his three grandchildren, Hayden, Paige, and Logan. His legacy lives on in the countless students he inspired, the friends he gathered everywhere he went, and the family who loved him beyond measure.