Stanley Joseph Dry

Stanley J. Dry, known to family and friends as “Mike” or “Pa”, passed away peacefully and with a smile on his face. Mike was born in Liverpool, England in 1938. He immigrated to the United States and proudly became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1965. Mike married the love of his life, Francine Dry, almost 50 years ago and they remained inseparable.

Mike enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country for 30 years, ultimately retiring as a Sergeant Major. He was a Green Beret and served three combat tours in Vietnam while in the 5th Special Forces Group. Mike had a genuine love of learning and attained his Master’s Degree in Education while serving in the military.

Upon his retirement from the Army, he began his second (and favorite) career as a civics and government teacher at Bruton High School in Williamsburg, Virginia. When he retired from teaching, he concentrated his considerable efforts on spoiling his granddaughters.

Mike had only one goal in life: to leave the world a better place than when he found it. Fortunately for all who knew him, he fully accomplished his goal.

Mike is survived by his wife, Francine; son Michael and daughter-in-law, Christie; granddaughters Abby and Faith; sister Norma; and brothers Gerald and Gordon and their families.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 20th at 12pm at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg. Interment is to follow at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s memory at the Special Operations Warrior Foundation at www.specialops.org. Online condolences to the family may also be made at www.nelsencares.com.