Michael Wayne Cook

Michael Wayne Cook, 67, of Madison Heights, Virginia, passed away at home on January 6, 2026. He was born on July 22, 1958, in Alexandria, Virginia, the son of Ralph Wayne Cook and Barbara Annette Cook.

Michael was a roofer by trade, but his true calling was being a storyteller, a jokester, and the kind of man who could make a room lighter just by walking into it. He loved to laugh—and he loved to make other people laugh even more. He was famous for telling the same jokes over and over and laughing just as hard every single time, like he’d never heard them before. And somehow, that only made them better.

He loved fishing, cold Budweiser, Wild Turkey, and rock and roll turned up loud. His soundtrack included AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ozzy Osbourne, Guns N’ Roses, and Jimi Hendrix, and one song that always seemed to fit his heart was “Simple Man.” If there was music playing, a story being told, or a good time happening—Michael was right there in the middle of it.

He was kind, funny, a little stubborn, and completely himself. He had a story for everything, and even ordinary moments became unforgettable once Michael told them.

But the greatest joy of his life was his family—especially his grandchildren. To the boys, he was Pop Pop, and to his little Adalynn, he was proudly known as King Triton Pop Pop. He wore that title like a crown. He adored his grandkids, bragged about them endlessly, and loved them in that big, loud, unmistakable Michael Cook way.

He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Cook of Farmville; his daughters Rachel Coleman (Robert), Holly Goforth (John), and Morgan Arnold; and his cherished grandchildren Evan Coleman, Wyatt Coleman, Mason Coleman, Grayson Goforth, and Adalynn Goforth. He is also survived by his sisters Sandra Knight and Joyce Price; his best friends Chuck Baldwin and Steve Knight; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Michael’s life was full of laughter, music, stories, and love—and he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Though he is gone, his jokes will keep being told, his stories will keep being shared, and his laughter will echo on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.

And now, he is as free as a bird—finally at peace, probably telling a story, and definitely rocking out with Steve Knight