Michael Williams Rentz

Michael Williams Rentz October 25, 1947 - July 28, 2013 Michael Williams Rentz, age 65, of St. Augustine, passed away on July 28, 2013 at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, with his wife by his side. Born in Anderson County, South Carolina, and raised in Bamberg, SC, Mike began attending the University of South Carolina on a football scholarship. After transferring to Newberry College, he graduated with a BA in history, and then returned to the University of South Carolina, where he earned a Masters Degree in Counselor Education. Mike worked as a History Teacher, Football / Track Coach and Athletic Director in the Beaufort, S.C. area for many years. He was a dedicated and beloved teacher, coach and mentor, who advocated teachers' rights and served as President of SCEA (South Carolina Education Association). Mike relocated to St. Augustine, FL, in 2002 and finished up his career as a History Teacher and Football Coach in the St. Johns and Clay County School Systems. He was a member of the Beaufort Exchange Club in SC, and of Anastasia Baptist Church in St. Augustine. Above all, Mike was a family man who was adored by his wife, children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Cindy Rentz, of St. Augustine; daughters, Tracy Robins and her husband, Paul, of Columbia, SC and Shannon Rentz of St. Augustine; sons, Michael W. Rentz, Jr., and his wife, Jennifer, of Beaufort, SC, and James and Charles Rentz, both of St. Augustine; his mother, Helen Rentz of Beaufort, SC; a sister, Kay Flemming of Columbia, SC; a brother, Dr. Bill Flemming, and his wife, Susan, of Columbia, SC; and his grandchildren, Michael Rentz III and Tyler Rentz. He was preceded in death by his father Strom Rentz and sister, Lu Ann Flemming Brooks. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at the Anastasia Baptist Church, with Dr. Walter West officiating. A visitation, beginning at 1:00pm, will precede the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to: Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL. 32080. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.