Michael Robert Pelley

Michael Robert Pelley, 63, of Fayetteville passed away on May 11, 2025.

He was born in Omaha, NE to the late Marilyn and Robert Pelley. Also preceding Michael in death was his sister, Jane.

Michael proudly served in the United States Air Force for 20 years, including 16 years as a dedicated combat controller. As part of this elite role, he specialized in both HALO (High Altitude, Low Opening) parachute operations and Scuba diving, skills that reflected his unwavering courage, discipline, and technical expertise. His distinguished service earned him numerous military honors, including the Soldier’s Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He also received several other awards in recognition of his bravery, dedication, and exemplary performance.

Following his military service, he worked for approximately 25 years as a field civil engineer at Fort Bragg—a profession he truly loved. Known for his remarkable skill and attention to detail, he earned the nickname “Millimeter Mike” for his ability to measure with near-perfect precision.

Michael also had a deep love for animals, especially cats—many of whom he rescued from job sites over the years. He adored his four feline companions—Tom, Lil Bird, Bragg, and Leica. He was a gifted photographer with a great eye for capturing meaningful and well-composed photos. In his free time, he cherished attending live sporting events with his son, especially Carolina Hurricanes hockey games. He enjoyed building intricate LEGO sets, immersing himself in the Star Wars universe, and expressing his artistic talent through drawing

Left to cherish Michael’s memory is his son, Robert Pelley; The Ortiz Family; and his sister, Kathy.

A visitation is scheduled for Wednesday May 21, 2025, from 12-1:30pm at Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service. A funeral service will follow at 1:30 pm. The burial will conclude at 3:00pm at Lafayette Memorial Park- West.