On May 8, 2022, Gene Michael "Mike" Cherry went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Mike loved his family deeply and dearly. He is already missed and holds a special place in everyone's hearts and minds. Mike was born on February 1, 1951, in Flint, Michigan to his loving parents John and Jewell (Crawford) Cherry. He graduated from Carman High School in 1969 and attended Los Angeles Baptist College on a full-ride baseball scholarship. During his time at LABC he also played varsity basketball, soccer, and ran cross-country. He was named the basketball team's Most Valuable Defensive Player in the 1969-1970 season when the team won the Conference Championship and during his senior year in 1973, he was named LABC Athlete of the Year. Later that year Mike graduated with a B.A. in Education and moved to New Jersey where he taught P.E. at a local high school before returning to Flint. He worked extensively in the automotive industry, including most recently at Kem Krest in Brighton, Michigan where he was known for his exceptional work ethic as he faithfully served with his co-workers for the past 16 years. Mike loved watching sports of all kinds and was a huge fan of old classic movies, especially Westerns. He was very supportive of his family and enjoyed coming to Kalamazoo to watch his niece's and nephew's sports games and other activities. As his family members married and had children, Mike continued to be active in his great-nieces and nephews lives by cheering them on in their many activities. He will be remembered for his deep laugh that filled the room, playing card and board games with the family, and his love for his pets. Mike grew up in and attended Riverdale Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan where he taught 4th and 6th grade Sunday School for several years. He was known for his huge heart and for his service to the community, including his dedicated support to Carriage Town, a homeless ministry in Flint and Disabled American Veterans. His sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His family left behind include his sister Suzanne (Cherry) Bishop and brother-in-law, Greg Bishop of Richland, MI; his niece, Sarah (Bishop) Collins and Quentin Collins of Richland, MI; his niece, Andrea (Bishop) Wallace and Rob Wallace (currently in Germany); nephew, Brent Bishop and Michelle Bishop of Portage, MI; and his 11 great-nieces and nephews: Avery & Zeke Collins; Coy, Ransom, Hemi, Tyndale, Bishop and Soji Wallace; and Jordan, Emma and Declan Bishop. The family will hold a private memorial at a later date. For those who wish to provide support to the family, donations can be made to Suzanne Bishop via Venmo @MikeCherryMemorial. Service Details. Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Gene Cherry February 1, 1951 - May 8, 2022 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book