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Life story

" Michael Edwin Strayer was welcomed into the world by his parents, Gladys Elise Strayer (née Brooks) and Chief Master Sergeant George Leon Strayer Sr., on May 3, 1962, in Rantoul, Illinois, where his father was stationed at Chanute Air Force Base. Michael was the fourth child in the family. As part of an Air Force family, he lived in various locations, including the Philippines and Travis Air Force Base in California, where his father retired after 27 years of service. The family later settled in Gooding, Idaho, where Michael spent his high school years.
After graduating high school in 1980, Michael enlisted in the United States Air Force. His first duty station was Kelly Air Force Base, where he served in security intelligence. During this time, he became a follower of Christ and was active in chapel and a group called The Navigators. It was through this Bible study that he met his future wife, Cheryl Locey, who was also serving in the USAF.
Michael was later stationed in Sembach, Germany, where he proposed to Cheryl in a local gasthaus over candlelight and chateaubriand. They were married in August 1986 in upstate New York. During their time in Germany, they welcomed their first daughter, Elisebeth Joy, in December 1987. They later moved to Austin, Texas, where their second daughter, Charity Lynn, was born in August 1989, followed by their third daughter, Hope Rachelle, in February 1992. In 1994, while stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland, they welcomed their fourth daughter, Melody Ann.
Michael faithfully served in the Air Force for 20 years, persevering through challenges and ultimately achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant before retiring in 2000. He then began a career with Raytheon, which took his family on an adventure to Alice Springs, Australia, for three years. In 2003, they returned to the United States and settled in Spotsylvania, Virginia, where they purchased their first home.
Throughout his life, Michael was known for his strong work ethic and determination. He worked in a variety of roles over the years, never giving up in the face of challenges. Whether driving a school bus, working in a hardware store, or taking on trucking and other jobs, he approached each opportunity with perseverance.
Michael passed away on March 8, 2026, with his loved ones by his side after a battle with a rare form of multiple myeloma. 
He is survived by his wife of thirty-nine years, his four daughters, three granddaughters and two sons-in-law. He is also survived by several sisters and a brother. Michael loved God, he loved and was very proud of his daughters and he was proud to have served in the United States Air Force. He loved his country. "