Scott Ray McMichael passed away Friday morning, February 28, 2025 at Riverside Medical Center in Newport News, Virginia after a brief illness.  He was born March 4, 1951 in Covington, GA. to Jack and Louise McMichael.

As the son of a U.S. military serviceman, Scott's early years were spent in various elementary and high schools across the country. He went on to graduate from Davidson College in 1972 and soon after began his career in the United States Army. Upon completing Ranger School, he married Anne Marie Shoe of Davidson, North Carolina, and together they embarked on a life of service and adventure.

Scott's military career took him to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, followed by Fairbanks, Alaska. He later earned a master's degree in Political Science from the University of Chicago before attending the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, where he studied Russian. As a Foreign Area Officer, he traveled extensively throughout the Soviet Bloc, including Russia itself. In 1989, he spent a year at Edinburgh University in Scotland, where he collaborated on research that contributed to his later writings on military strategy.

A dedicated scholar, he authored two military-focused books: Stumbling Bear (1991), an analysis of Russia's war in Afghanistan, and A Historical Perspective on Light Infantry (1987), which was used at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

His service also included multiple assignments in Germany, as well as positions at the Pentagon and Fort Monroe, Virginia. After retiring from active duty, Scott continued his work in military strategy and analysis, spending 20 (1998 - 2018) years as a defense contractor.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Rick McMichael; and his brother-in-law, Nathan Shoe. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Anne Marie Shoe McMichael; their children: Aaron Scott (Megen), Patrick Shane (Gretchen), and Sarah Anne Hughes (Ben); and ten beloved grandchildren: Ava, Julianne, Josie, Maddy, Eliza, Rebecca, Lilly, Tess, Caleb, and Nathan. He is also survived by his brother Dana, and his sister, Cindy Sigmon (Jim).

Scott will be remembered as a man of unwavering duty, intellect, and faith — a committed husband, steadfast father, and proud grandfather. He took seriously his responsibility to provide for and protect his family, ensuring their security and well-being. His grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Poppa," will always remember the time spent with him. His legacy of service, wisdom, and hard-work will endure in the lives of those he shaped.

A private graveside service will be followed by a Memorial Service on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Calvary Reformed Presbyterian Church in Hampton, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Calvary Reformed Presbyterian Church (403 Whealton Road, Hampton, Virginia, 23666) or Samaritan's Purse (P.O. Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina, 28067).