Michael W. Gery died of a chronic liver disease Friday, August 28, 2020 in Nags Head, NC. He was 57. Hillbilly was born in Portsmouth, VA. He was the son of David G. Gery and Hazel V. Banks. His father and step-farther, Huey Carroll both recently preceded him in death.
Hillbilly was raised in Bonifay, Florida. After his schooling, he went to work and never stopped. He mastered several trades including farm labor, landscaping, property maintenance, offshore fishing, and concrete finishing which he enjoyed and was especially skilled at. Besides the family he loved and labored for, Hillbilly was known for his great sense of humor and his soft heart for animals.
Hillbilly is survived by a large and loving family including his mother, Hazel V. Banks of Arizona; his wife, Karen Rene Cotton of Florida, his five children, Michael Wayne Gery, Jr., Joshua Ray Gery, Harley Virginia Gery (all of Florida), Dakota Daniel Lee Gery of West Virginia, and Cheyenne Dora Marie Gery of Kill Devil Hills, NC; six brothers, Bruce Gery of Florida, Huey Carroll of Arizona, Joshua Gery of Maryland, Greg Gery also of Maryland, Mark Gery of Pennsylvania, and Philip Gery of the Philippines; and his former wife, Jessie Brasswell of Florida. Also surviving is Hillbilly’s loving caregiver, companion, and best friend Carla Laquita Lick of the Kill Devil Hills residence as well as countless dear and loyal friends and coworkers.
Hillbilly’s family will honor his directives for a simple cremation with no memorials. The family has gratefully asked that anyone wishing to honor Hillbilly’s life do so with a donation towards his cremation expenses made directly to Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. Please express condolences to the family via the online register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.
