Mike Perry

March 21, 1952 - October 6, 2016 Michael Allen Perry, 64, of Statesville, met the Lord on Thursday, October 6, 2016. Mike was born on March 21, 1952 to his proud parents, Alvin and Helen Perry. Many who knew him and his family would completely agree he was a boy destined to love the outdoors, life on a farm, and animals of all kinds. Mike will be known by many as compassionate, hard working, and loving others unconditionally. He was a man of his own who shared his heart and soul with a woman who he admired for her strength, devotion and pure love for him, his wife Jodi. Mike and Jodi shared life to its fullest. When faced with a battle of cancer, Mike wanted few things... he wanted the Lord, prayers, and family. Often times a father is seen as bigger and stronger than life itself and this was true of Mike. He was a proud father who loved his children with everything he had. He was also an admired big brother and the memories of family vacations and growing up with this guy will fill their hearts with joy as they remember all the silly giggles and stories special siblings share. Mike enjoyed riding his Harley with friends who he thought of as an extension of his family and they created such grand memories. Another well known and enjoyed hobby Mike shared regularly with family and friends was his gift to make the "Best beef jerky." In recent years, Mike was most content sitting on his porch at the family farm or enjoying an afternoon in the fields tending to his cows on his big green tractor. He loved his family especially all his precious grandchildren and great nieces and nephews. He and these little ones shared many smiles and good times and equally brought priceless joy to one other. Before he reached retirement, Mike worked at Freightliner for 19 years as a Robot Technician "turning silver trucks black." Prior to that, he loved being a Superintendent at Brushy Mountain and Mooresville Municipal Golf Courses. Mike entered his eternal home with the Lord on Thursday, October 6, 2016. He was welcomed home by his grandparents, Big Pa and Mamaw Duck; his dad, Alvin Perry; his aunt Wilma and uncle JE; his stepson, Jason Poss; and stepson-in- law, Jonathan Vande Lune. Mike leaves behind his wife, Jodi Perry, of Statesville; mother, Helen Perry, of Statesville; two sons, David Perry (Tracie) of Little River, SC and Will Perry (Amanda) of Statesville; daughters, Crystal Douglas (Ryan) of Troutman, Kitty McFarland (Mark) of Mooresville, Cheri Poss of Troutman and Brook Poss (Jeremy Dittmar) of Chattanooga, TN; brother, Tim Perry (Janet) of Carolina Beach; sister, Sandy Fraver (Dwight) of Statesville; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Holland (Gary) of Jefferson, GA; lifelong friend, Debbie Perry of Troutman; nine grandchildren, Ayden, Mylen, Mary-Ryan, David Allen, Emmalee, Tinsley, Addison, Graham and Parker; nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews; many many special friends; and all his beloved animals of the home. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, October 10, 2016 at Ostwalt Baptist Church in Troutman. A memorial service will begin at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Wesley Morris officiating. The family would like to thank from our hearts Hospice of Iredell County, Dr. Pam Westmoreland Sholar and her entire staff along with the nursing staff from Iredell Memorial Hospital for the special care they all provided Mike during his battle. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to an Animal Rescue of choice or Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.