Joseph Michael Lancaster

RALEIGH - Joseph Michael "Mike" Lancaster, 83, passed away suddenly on Friday, July 4, 2025, at his home in Raleigh.

He was born on Sept 12, 1941, in Durham and was immediately adopted by Arthur William Lancaster and Nell Elizabeth Monk Lancaster of Raleigh. He lived his entire life in Raleigh and possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of the city.

Mike was dedicated to caring for his family and the close friends that he made nearly everywhere he went. He was known for his sharp sense of humor and loving heart and will be dearly missed by everyone whose life he touched.

Mike grew up on Georgetown Road in the Five Points neighborhood in Raleigh. As a boy, he was involved in Boy Scouts with his father, who served as Scoutmaster, and spent time with him working on radios in the shop behind their house. He also had a passionate interest in model trains. In high school, he worked for Northside Pharmacy on Whitaker Mill Road and delivered newspapers on his bike from a young age.

Mike graduated from Needham B. Broughton High School in 1959 and attended classes at NC State University. After graduation, he worked in the circulation department for the News & Observer and the Raleigh Times and continued carrying a morning route for many years as an adult. He later worked for Edwards & Broughton Printing Company, where he met his wife of 54 years, Barbara Jane Aan "Bobbie" Lancaster. He retired in 2004 from North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry, where he worked for 25 years in sales and later as the managing editor of North Carolina magazine.

Mike loved movies, books and music and enjoyed recommending his favorite picks to his friends. He was an avid follower of news and politics. Mike read the morning paper, and later the digital version, every morning of his adult life.

Ireland was his favorite place. He and Bobbie visited several times with family. They also enjoyed traveling to Boston, New York, Chicago and other destinations. They loved going on cruises.

He was a past member of Millbrook Masonic Lodge #97 A.F. & A.M. and served as lodge master.

Mike was predeceased by his parents; and his first wife, Jean Davidson Inman Lancaster of Raleigh.

He is survived by his wife, Bobbie, of the home; his daughter, Tina Bland and husband, Bill Bland, of Franklinton; his son, Brent Lancaster and wife, Connie Lancaster, of Raleigh; four grandchildren, Ashley Davis and husband, Logan Davis, of Youngsville; Winston Bland and wife, Stephanie Bland, of Emerald Isle; Noah Lancaster of Raleigh; and Grace Lancaster of Raleigh; and five great-grandchildren.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to North Shore Animal League, Animal Protection Society of Caswell County or any other organization that supports animals.

A service of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com