Roy Michael Early

Mike was born on September 7, 1959 in Raleigh, NC as one of four siblings. He graduated with distinction from Sanderson High School in Raleigh, in 1977. He attended East Carolina University in Greenville, NC for two years.

From an early age Mike was an exceptional athlete, participating and excelling in multiple sports. He played baseball for ECU and was thought of favorably by several Major League Baseball scouts. Mike had a gregarious personality, enjoyed pranking friends and family, and could be extremely funny.

He was a lifelong member of Trinity Baptist Church on Six Forks Road in Raleigh. As an adult at Trinity, he committed himself to numerous volunteer duties. Most of his efforts within the church were directed toward the betterment of people less fortunate than himself. He was well loved and greatly appreciated by other church members.

Mike cherished any opportunity to be outside enjoying God’s creations. Hunting and any type of fishing were his most favored nature activities. He moved to Colorado for several years to be employed as a cowboy on a working cattle ranch. Mike very much enjoyed that experience, and by all accounts he was an excellent cowhand.

Mike is survived by his loving and loyal companion, Kathy Via, two sisters Beth E Davis and Raye Early, his brother Tommy and his wife Nancy, his two wonderful nieces Karrie Holovacs and Mary Beth Davis and several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lois and Bill Early.

Funeral service is Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 2:00pm, Trinity Baptist Church, 4815 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC. Family will receive friends and family at the church one hour prior to the service. Mike will be buried at Raleigh Memorial Park following the service; 7501 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27612.

Mike requested, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis Tenn.

Mitchell Funeral Home is serving the Early family.