Obituary
Michael went home to be with the Lord on January 29 after a long illness. A man of strong faith, there was no better illustration of that faith than the love and care he showed for his family. Mike was devoted to his wife, Susan, and children Paige and Connor, and married for nearly 40 years, there was nothing more important to him than his family and his God. He was passionate about his study to learn more about God and even more passionate about sharing his faith and knowledge through his teaching!
Born May 23,1962 to John and Shirley Parry in Hanover, PA, he relocated to Florida with his family in 1969. He was a 1980 graduate of Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, FL and received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1984 from Southeastern Bible College in Lakeland, FL. He earned his Master of Divinity from Erskine Theological Seminary in Due West, SC in 1988 and while there he served as youth pastor and pastor of First Assembly of God, Greenwood SC from 1984-1988. He also attended Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, KY from 1990-1991 in the Master of Theology program.
One of the first Microsoft-certified software instructors, Mike was a software instructor at University of Louisville, KY in the 1990s, as well as at various private entities, including many Fortune 500 companies throughout the 1990s. He was also a computer programmer and IT consultant in banking and other industries from 1998 – 2017.
Mike was an active leader in churches for decades, most recently as a member of Edgewater Alliance Church since 1996 where he was involved in the worship team playing trumpet and guitar, leading worship services, teaching Bible classes and serving on the Board of Elders.
Mike’s hobbies included photography, golf, scuba diving and music. Even in his hobbies, Mike’s love of teaching and sharing knowledge was an integral part of who he was.
Predeceased by his father, John, Mike is husband of nearly 40 years to Susan (Waller) Parry; son to his mother, Shirley; father to his children Paige and Connor; brother to his siblings Jeanette (Troy) Adams, Gary Parry and Sherry (Gerald) Keyes; uncle to 10 nieces and nephews, great-uncle to 13 great-nieces and nephews, but most especially, Mike is a precious and loved child of God.
A Remembrance Service will be held on Friday, February 9, at 5:00 pm at Edgewater Alliance Church, 310 N. Ridgewood Ave., Edgewater, FL officiated by Pastor Ron Schafer.
We are fortunate to know Mike as a teacher and friend and are happy that he no longer suffers and is walking with Jesus on the golden streets in Heaven.
There is comfort in knowing he's with the Lord. ☮️
The Mitchum Brothers Gospel Band 8-23-1980, Little Star Pentecostal Church, South Carolina, Friends are friends forever when the Lord is the Lord of them. Just received the news tonight. Brokenhearted. A true friend. I love you Mike.
Words are difficult, as there really are no words to express my feelings. Mike was an amazing Bible teacher, encourager, supporter and friend. Mike’s Old Testament Survey class of 2012/2013 was the catalyst for my first study tour to Israel in 2014. His work ignited a passion in me for learning and teaching the Bible in its cultural context, in whatever format the Lord provides. This passion he inspired lead me to many other study tours in the Ancient Near East (2015 to 2017), MA in Biblical History and Geography from Jerusalem University College 2021, Consecration and Ordination in 2021, and serving through Market Place since 2021; I am honored to say: “This is all part of Mike’s legacy in ministry!”
Picture from Ephesus 2015.
It was wonderful to share time traveling to Israel with the Perrys and Walking the Text under Brad Gray. This was one of the best experiences in our lives. This picture was from our stop at the source of living water at Engedi . Thank you, Mike Perry, for introducing us to this opportunity.
Susan, we are looking forward to having you back in our small group.
God bless you and your family.
We were privileged to sit under his teaching and serve together. So glad he is no longer struggling in this world and is with his SaviorT
Mike was kind and compassionate and a great friend. He always showed great love for Susan and spoke of her in the most reverent way. It was obvious that he adored her and that she was a rock in his life, second only to God and his faith.
Mike is and will continue to be greatly missed at EAC and in our personal lives.
Thank you Mike, and thank you Lord for the privilege to have known him.