Michael Wayne Perry

Michael Wayne Perry, 78, a happy, courageous, and funny soul who found purpose in serving others, passed away on April 19, 2026. Born on May 9, 1947, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, Michael made his home in Buchanan, Virginia, where his steady kindness and ready smile became part of the town’s heartbeat.

A master electrician by trade and a neighbor by nature, Michael’s work reached far beyond wires and circuits. He was the one people called at any hour when the lights went out—especially when Buchanan’s beloved Christmas lights needed tending. His craftsmanship was matched only by his reliability; he showed up with unwavering good humor and the quiet courage to handle whatever the day demanded. He was most known for his love of trains and the simple joy he took in helping anyone he could.

Michael’s passions were rooted in home and the outdoors. He loved trains, gardening, and fishing, and he cherished time spent with family above all. His daughter remembers him patiently teaching her to cast a line when she was little—a gift that shaped a lifetime of fishing—and to plant a garden each year, instilling the satisfaction of growing one’s own food. These lessons were never just about hobbies; they were blueprints for living: work hard, be respectful, and always be courageous. At day’s end, he could be found in his recliner, eyes closed and content, offering his signature reassurance—“I am just resting my eyes.”

Michael is lovingly remembered by his sons, Elvin Perry and David Perry, and daughter-in-law, Renee; his daughter, Elizabeth Perry, and her husband, Osvaldo Saucedo; and his granddaughters, Elena Galvez and Courtney Perry, who were constant sources of pride. He is also held dear by his sister, Fran Perry, and her husband, Wilkie, along with his niece Melanie and nephew Gene; and by his brother, John Perry, and sister-in-law, Barbara Perry. He was the devoted son of Francis and John Perry, whose example helped shape the man he became. Michael’s circle of care extended to friends as well, and he often spoke with gratitude of his boss and friend, Terry Austin.

In every season, Michael found a way to lift others—stringing lights across a winter night, tending a summer garden, or sharing a laugh that made the day feel easier. May we honor him by carrying forward his generous spirit, his steady work ethic, and his love of simple, enduring joys. Though he has laid down his tools, his light shines on in the people and places he so faithfully served.