C. Michael Poole

DURHAM – Charles Michael Poole, age 80, died at Duke University Medical Center on Sunday, February 8, 2026. He was born February 25, 1945 in Durham to the late Charles Jackson Poole and Eloise Congleton Poole. Mike was a 1963 graduate of Southern High School. He proudly sang in a quartet through high school and enjoyed his job as a student bus driver.

Mike spent his entire career in the funeral service profession, getting his first job with Hall-Wynne & Co. out of high school. He completed studies and graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, returned to spend a year with a funeral home in Louisburg, then eagerly rejoined Hall-Wynne, where he remained until retirement. Through sheer hard work and determination, Mike followed in the footsteps of Hall-Wynne’s president and his mentor, Jesse Barnes, becoming one of the company stockholders in succession upon Mr. Barnes’ retirement.

Mike Poole was a presence – all 6’4” of him! He was a gifted funeral director with his “gentle giant” manner, a genuine heart for people, and natural inclination to go the extra mile for every family he served. Michael was a skilled mortuary artist who took the care and appearance of the dead seriously, knowing of its profound impact upon those grieving personal loss. With his warmth and gracious southern manners, he could relate to people from all walks of life, and if conversation drifted toward lighthearted or funny, those eyes would start dancing as Mike came alive with a story, song, or some memorable quip. He was a superb cook of southern cuisine of all varieties - from collards to chittlins - and he could wax eloquent on some of the culinary spreads he produced!

Music was among Mike’s passions – specifically Southern gospel music, which he performed with his deep lyrical voice over many years. He sang with various groups and as a solo feature at churches, service clubs, funerals and special events. After retirement, Mike was in considerable demand to perform locally. He had a lifelong fascination with school and tour buses, curating an impressive collection of model buses.

Besides working tirelessly in his vocation, Mike was a steadfast community servant, having been on Durham’s City Council, a member of DeMolay in his youth; a lifetime member of Durham Masonic Lodge #352; the Order of the Eastern Star - Southgate Chapter, where he became a Worth Patron; and the Durham Lions Club, of which he was past president. A man of deep faith, Mike was a longtime member of Robbins Road Christan Church, serving as an elder until its closure, and Durham Memorial Baptist Church, where he was a deacon.

Mike Poole was the salt of the earth – a content, selfless and generous fellow with a huge heart and a mind of wisdom. Never hurried, nor found gazing at his watch, he made time to thoughtfully listen and visit with friend and stranger. Mike recognized God’s blessings and lived a life of gratitude. Ever the eternal optimist, he encouraged people to see through everyday problems, to live outside themselves and put others first. A merry trickster with a skill for pranks, Mike had a legendary sense of humor that brought constant delight.

Mike is survived by his wife, Marilyn Moore Poole; his daughters, Susan Poole Davidson (husband Mark) and Elizabeth Poole Miller (husband Andy); his grandsons, John and Brian Davidson; and his niece, Pam Porter and her family. Through marriage to his beloved Marilyn, Mike’s family extended to Duke Emerson, Debbie Clark and Eric Emerson (wife Wendi); and granddaughter, Jennifer Folcher (husband Daniel). In addition to his parents, Mike was predeceased by his brother, William Y. “Billy” Poole, his nephews, W. York Poole and C. York Poole; and his aunt, Hortense Congleton.

Funerals services will be 2:30 PM, Thursday, February 12, 2026, from the Chapel of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery. Friends may visit from 4:00 – 6:00 PM, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Hall-Wynne.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial donations may be made to Durham Memorial Baptist Church, 133 Robbins Road, Durham, NC 27703.