HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Huntington businessman and former Marshall University president Mike Perry died Wednesday after a battle with cancer. He was 78.
The longtime banker and founder of Heritage Farm Museum and Village in Harveytown was a Huntington native. He served as interim president of Marshall University from 1999 to 2000.
Huntington Mayor Steve Williams said Perry was one of a kind.
“We said goodbye today to our community’s greatest champion and unbridled advocate. Mike Perry won his final battle by defeating cancer and shaking free of pain and suffering to take his heavenly reward. I am saddened because I have lost a patient mentor who was always encouraging and inspirational,” Williams said.
Marshall Athletics Director Mike Hamrick tweeted.
“My thoughts are with the Perry family as the Marshall and the tri state community lost a great man today. Mike you will be missed.”
Perry battled cancer for 18 months.
Perry was a 1954 graduate of Huntington High School and a 1958 graduate of Marshall. He was first in his law class at West Virginia University in 1961.
Perry is survived by his wife Henriella, three children and eight grandchildren.
Visitation services are scheduled for Friday afternoon and evening at New Baptist Church in Huntington. The funeral will be held at the church at 1 p.m. Saturday.