Michael Gorton Healey

Michael was born March 27, 1945, in Flint, Michigan. He attended the New Mexico Military Institute and was a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he served as Vice President of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He subsequently earned a Master of Science Degree in Management from The Florida Institute of Technology.

Michael was a career Army officer and decorated combat veteran. He served with distinction and valor with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Viet Nam, where he received a Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars, and a Bronze Star with Valor. In 2009, his unit (Alpha Troop) was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation by President Barack Obama in delayed recognition of their conspicuous honor and valor. Further postings took him to Starkville, Mississippi, Orlando, Florida, West Germany (two tours), and a final assignment at Ft. Monroe Virginia, where he retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 23 years of service.

He was a talented, multisport athlete who went to college on a swimming scholarship, loved basketball and skiing, and continued to run races into his fifties. He loved boating and traveling, and had a special compassion for animals. Most of all, he loved his family, and was loved just as much in return. His warmth and humor will be missed by family and friends alike.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Col. John Healey, and mothers Mary Healey and Mary Boothe Healey. Surviving him are his loving and devoted wife of 31 years, Patricia Healey; son Tori Hoehler and wife I-Zu of Mountain View, CA, daughter Kirsten Karns and husband Chris of Montgomery, AL, daughter Heather Durden and husband Brian of Daphne, AL; grandsons Alex Karns, Ryan Hoehler and Bryce Karns, sister Sharon Healey Bartholomew and husband Bart of Valley Center CA, nephew Tres Gorman and wife Melinda of Temecula, CA and loving aunts and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sitter and Barfoot Veteran’s Care Center in Richmond, VA, whose staff cared for Michael with dedication and compassion during the past 5 years, or to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org).

Funeral arrangements will be handled by Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road in Williamsburg, VA. Visitation will be on Saturday, September 7th at 2:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 PM. Internment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.