Bartholomew McHugh Reilly,Jr., known to all as Mike, of Crestview, FL passed away at age 58 on May 9, 2020 in Fort Walton Beach.
Mike was born on February 24, 1962. Mike served in the United States Air Force for 24 years retiring as a Master Sergeant with his last tour serving with NATO in the Netherlands, where he found his late beloved canine companion, Leah.
Mike is preceded in death by his father, Bart McHugh Reilly and his mother, Caroline Davis Reilly. He is survived by his sisters, Nancy D. Reilly and Mary R. Hilton and his brothers Thomas H. Reilly and Stephen E. Reilly, his niece, Megan J. Hilton. He is also survived by the families that adopted him into their own; the Williams families of Northwest Florida, the Griffin families of Northwest Florida, and the Tisdale Families of Auburn and Adulusia, and countless dear friends who loved Mike as their own.
Mike was one of principle. He took his hat off at prayers and the singing of the National Anthem. He stood when his elders entered a room. He was never lacking in grace or sophistication.
He was a fiercely loyal friend, often giving every thought and ounce of time to helping and serving others. He was always the first to respond to someone in need.
Mike was an active member of Narcotics Anonymous, and at his time of death had 18 years clean. He served taking a message of hope and recovery from addiction into prison, where inmates would otherwise not hear of transformation. He was eager to help his classmates when they needed it. He was generous with both his time and affection.
In true fashion, Mike's final act of service was organ donation, through LifeQuest.
We are asking that if you have any photos or video or comments you would like to share that these be sent electronically to mikepic2020@gmail.com. A final memorial video will be put together in his honor and links or copies can be requested at the above email as well.
Services for the Celebration of Mike's life will be held with close friends and family on July 25, 2020. His wishes were to be spread with Leah in the Gulf of Mexico and we will be streaming the spreading of their remains via Facebook.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Operation Second Chance in Honor of Mike Reilly; 20251 Century Boulevard, Suite 130, Germantown, MD 20874, or at www.operationsecondchance.org.