Mike Reyes Gerez, age 37 born December 8, 1985 in Lucena, Philippines passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Mike is the third to the youngest of his siblings. He was the son of the late Florencio Calibog Gerez (March 15th, 2019) and living mother, Lourdes San Jose Reyes.
He is survived by his true love, his daughter, Mykah Jerlene Gerez, his loving wife, Eunese Tongco Gerez; his step-daughters, Hannah and Zophia; and his step-son, Herrold Christopher. He will be deeply missed by his siblings, Hazel, Mark Jeffery, Haydee, John Mark, Hannah and Jeryll. He is also survived by and was guided in love by his grandmother, Daniana C. Gerez. Mike was also preceded in death by his grandfather, Epifanio Gere (January 31st, 1995.)
Mike was a SSG in the US Army, working as an instructor in ALC. He loved camping, hunting, and fishing. He took down his first caribou in August 2018. The following year after a deployment, he took down a moose. He was a great fisherman who always caught his limit when fishing for salmon, whether by the slopes of the Chitina River, or the open seas of the ocean. Mike always enjoyed his time outdoors. He taught his step-daughter and step-son how to hunt caribou, tarmigan, squirrel and rabbit. He taught them the techniques of fishing, filleting fish, and how to butcher animals. He was a great provider. He will be missed by thousands of people he touched, including his best friends, Glen Thompson and Henyrk Maldonado. He was always friendly and welcoming to any people he met.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4170 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907 on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 2:00PM with Military Honors. Family will visit with friends on Friday evening, February 10, 2023 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary at 6:00PM to 9:00PM and Saturday afternoon from 12:00PM to 2:00PM. Burial will take place in Philippines with his immediate family. Flowers are welcome!
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Gerez family.