Michael Lee Searles

Michael Lee Searles obituary

Michael Lee Searles

Upcoming Events

Nov

22

Viewing

9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel & Crematory (Downtown)

1601 27th Street, Newport News, VA 23607

Send Flowers

Nov

22

Service

2:00 p.m.

Hampton Memorial Gardens

155 Butler Farm Rd., Hampton, VA 23666

Send Flowers

Only 4 days left for delivery to next service.

Michael Searles Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel & Crematory - Downtown on Nov. 15, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

October 9, 1959 - November 9, 2025

Michael Lee Searles, 66, of Saint Mary's, GA, was born in Newport News, VA, to parents Randolph and Lossie Searles. Michael attended Homer L Ferguson High School before joining the Marine Corps and eventually starting his career as an aircraft mechanic for the Department of the Navy until his retirement. Michael enjoyed cooking, military aircraft, fishing, traveling, and listening to the blues in his free time.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Randolf and Lossie Searles. Wife, Genida Searles. Sisters Delores, Joyce, and Linda. Brother Larry Searles and Niece Tomeshia Searles. Michael is survived by his Sister Ann Morgan(Thomas). Children Ronnie, Michelle, Brittany, and Mika Searles. His (5) Grandchildren, Roland and Ryland Searles, Cameron, Carsten, and Caio Whipple. His nieces Debreccia Searles, Earlene Barnes (Timothy), Danielle Searles. Nephews Antonio Searles, Donte Searles, Herman and Darrick Driver. Great nieces and nephews. A host of friends, colleagues, and Marine Corps Brothers.

"Veteran's Honor" - Unknown

"Veteran's honor, a sacred flame,
Through trials fierce, they earned their name.
For liberty's cause, they stood so tall,
Now in peace, they've heard the call.
Their legacy shines, a guiding star,
Forever near, though they're afar."

We'll forever remember Michael Searles as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend.

Viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Hampton Memorial Gardens.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Michael Lee Searles, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

People and places connected with Michael
How to support Michael's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Searles's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Nov

22

Viewing

9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel & Crematory (Downtown)

1601 27th Street, Newport News, VA 23607

Send Flowers

Nov

22

Service

2:00 p.m.

Hampton Memorial Gardens

155 Butler Farm Rd., Hampton, VA 23666

Send Flowers

Only 4 days left for delivery to next service.