Michael Boyce Cooke

1942 - 2026

Michael Boyce Cooke

Born: January 11, 1942 | Died: February 4, 2026

Michael Boyce Cooke, known affectionately by his college teammates as "Huck," passed away on February 4, 2026, at the age of 84 in Greensboro, NC. Born on January 11, 1942, in Mount Airy, NC, he was the son of the late Boyce and Mettie Cooke.

Mike's life was marked by his significant accomplishments. He graduated from Mount Airy High School, where he starred on the basketball and baseball teams. He earned All Northwest North Carolina and All-State recognition in basketball, leading Mt. Airy to the 1960 Basketball State Championship. His talents garnered the attention of over 20 colleges with scholarship offers but he chose to attend UNC Chapel Hill, where he was coached by the legendary coaches Frank McGuire and Dean Smith from 1960-1964, serving as team captain in 1964. While at UNC, he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and a member of the prestigious Order of Gimghoul. Mike was inducted into the Mt. Airy Sports Hall of Fame, and the Surry County Hall of Fame. In Mike's final words of his acceptance speech, he said "I will always be a Granite Bear & a Tarheel."

After graduating from UNC, he worked for Blue Bell, Inc., selling for Lady Wrangler. His career kept him in the apparel industry, taking he and his wife, Jackie, to Washington, DC, New York City, Nags Head, NC, while finally landing in N. Myrtle Beach, SC. This is where he went into business with his Brother-In-Law, Tommy West, running several clothing outlets in the greater N. Myrtle Beach, SC area, while also being an apparel wholesaler for several leading industry brands. After retiring from the apparel business in 1998, he and Jackie started their next venture in real estate management, which he was still involved with until his passing.

Mike and Jackie had 49 years of marriage that was a true partnership. They loved the Outer Banks of North Carolina, specifically Nags Head, NC, where they owned several homes through the years. Family and friends spent many summer days on the sound in front of Mike & Jackie's house in Old Nags Head Cove. They loved traveling the world and throwing their famous Christmas parties at their home in N. Myrtle Beach. They purchased a second home in Chapel Hill, NC so they could attend as many UNC sporting events and functions as possible. They were a mainstay on the shagging dance floors of Ocean Drive, specifically Fat Harold's, Duck's, and the O.D. Pavilion. Mike discovered tennis later in life, and, as usual with any sport, he quickly excelled. He won numerous local and regional tournaments at the adult level and also as a senior. He was highly ranked in the state of South Carolina and in the southeastern rankings of USTA. Mike was an avid music lover, and his passion for music covered many genres. Only a chosen few received a coveted mix disc from Mike's tremendous music library.

Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Jackie Cooke, as well as his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tommy and Janice West, and nephew Ricky West, all of North Myrtle Beach.

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, David and Kris Cooke of Greensboro; nephews Brian Cooke (Claire) and their sons Dallas and Bo; Allen Cooke (Abbey) and their children Max, Sally, and Jake, all of Greensboro; Randy West and Ronny West (Christian) and their children Rivers and Becker of Myrtle Beach.

The family would like to thank the staff at Abbotswood Living Center, Brightstar Care, and Hospice of Greensboro for their unbelievable service, care and support during this difficult time. A celebration of Mike's life will be announced in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, Mike requested that contributions be made to Reelin' for Research, an organization that raises money for pediatric cancer research at UNC Children's Hospital 1852 Banking Street, # 9333 Greensboro, NC 27408 . Online condolences can be made at: www.forbisanddick.com .