Honoring Michael J. Scully's Legacy

Michael J. Scully, 78, of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at his home. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Gravelly Point in Arlington, Virginia at 5pm.

Michael was born on August 16, 1946, in the Islington district of London, England, to Charles Patrick Scully and Ellen Elizabeth Scully (née Sullivan). He joined the British army at the age of 15 in Aden, Yemen, with what records described as a “fresh” complexion, before joining the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). He served until 1973, then went on to serve in the Bermuda Police Force from 1973 to 1975. His career later took him to Washington, D.C., where he worked for the British Embassy, followed by a position with the Northern Ireland Prison Service. Eventually, he returned to D.C. and founded his own promotion company, Bulldog Enterprises. (I’ve also seen Casheel-were there two or what’s the difference?)

Mike was a world explorer, in addition to living in Britain and the U.S. he lived in Yemen, Argentina, and Iraq. His travels took him to Germany, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, Uruguay, Turkey, the Isle of Wight, and beyond.

Anyone who knew Mike knew of his deep love for rugby. He played for numerous teams over the years, including the Bermuda Police, the Bermuda Irish, the Bermuda National Team, the Washington Irish, and the International Golden Oldies Rugby, where he served on the board for 15 years. His passion for the sport took him around the world—to London, Auckland, Perth, Sydney, Toronto, Cape Town, and across South America while conducting business in Buenos Aires. In 2004–2005, Mike worked in Iraq with the U.S. State Department, where he had the distinction of organizing the first-ever International Baghdad Rugby Sevens Tournament.

He will be remembered for his sharp sense of humor, his pride in all things British, his deep curiosity about the world and its people, and—above all—his boundless love for his children and his granddaughter, Nessa, whom he affectionately called “Binky Boo Boo.” Mike's resilience, joy, and laughter left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to cover Michael's final expenses, including cremation, medical bills, phone bills, and apartment clean-out. Your support will help honor his memory and ease the financial burden on his family. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Seagraves; his son, Andrew Scully; his beloved granddaughter, Nessa Josephine; and his sister, Theresa Ballard.

“And it’s no nay never, no nay never, no more

Will I play the wild rover, never no more”