Obituary of Michael "Big Mike" Cruz

Michael “Big Mike” Cruz, of Haines City, Florida passed away on June 21, 2023 at the Winter Haven Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on January 27, 1957 in Manhattan, New York to José R. Cruz and Beatriz Cartagena. Michael moved to Florida in 1995 from Carolina, Puerto Rico, worked as a truck driver for 12 years and then as an HVAC technician for 5 years, retiring in 2023. He was a member of the Ministerio Unidos de Amor Church in Lake Wales, Florida.  

Michael loved the Lord and every chance he will get he will spread the Gospel. He enjoyed fishing, playing chess, solitaire and watching Arnold Schwarzenegger and Steven Seagal's movies. Michael was a positive, good, happy man who was known for his kindness of helping others. His family was his number one priority and he loved spending time with them every chance he could. He will be truly missed by all who loved him.  

He is preceded in death by his parents. Michael leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, of 25 years, Ginny Cruz; son, Michael Cruz, Jr. of Port Charlotte, FL; daughters, Michelle Cruz Cordera and husband, Francisco of Guaynabo, PR and Ginny Vachier and husband, Eduardo of Fort Lauderdale, FL; brothers, Joe Cruz and wife, Yolanda of Jacksonville, FL; Stephen Cruz and wife, Adaleen of Grovetown, GA, and Confesor Ruiz of Lakeland, FL; sister, Annette Cruz of Grovetown, FL; three grandchildren, Isabella, Melanie and Giovany.  

A visitation will be held on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 4:00 p.m. all at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City, FL.