Michael Perry

Michael Steven Perry, 65, passed away from Covid-19 on Wednesday May 27th, 2020 at his residence in Boonsboro, MD. Mike had suffered for many years with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and dementia and had been residing in an assistant living facility for nearly 10 years.

Born June 15, 1954 in a US Army Hospital at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Mike spent his early years on various military bases around the country, eventually settling in Sterling, Virginia.  He attended Broad Run High School and graduated in 1973. That same year Michael enlisted in the Army and he served as a helicopter pilot and mechanic during the end of the Vietnam War.

He was primarily stationed in Germany where he became fluent in the language and customs. While in service, he received the National Defense Service Medal for expert M16 PUC, Expert Rifle qualification Badge, and a Presidential Unit Citation.

Michael was honorably discharged in 1979 and went on to work various jobs as a mechanic and a carpenter. His favorite job was as a lineman at a regional airport - Mike loved all things aeronautical. Mike, aka Strider, loved to ride motorcycles and cherished his Sturgis "Alice".  He also had a passion for vintage VW vans. Mike loved to fish, camp, being in the great outdoors and he loved music and playing the guitar. He was a former member of the Berryville Loyal Order of the Moose.  Mike was a giant of a man at 6.5" but also a gentle giant, always happy, upbeat, and fun to be around - he was a great friend to many and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his daughter, Allison Deavers and husband, Mark, of Front Royal, Virginia; sister, Brenda Susan Perry Roberts and husband, John, of Radcliff, Kentucky; and brother, Brian Perry and wife, Marion, of Sterling, Virginia. He was also the proud uncle of 12 nieces and nephews, great-uncle to 16, and great-great uncle to 1 plus.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, Donald Joseph and Mary Louisa Cannon Perry; and his sister, Elizabeth Hauser.

Arrangements are pending, but it is our desire that he be cremated and interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the National MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Society , P.O. Box 91891, Washington DC 20090-1891.