Michael Courtney "Mike" Burke, Sr.

After a courageous battle with cancer, Michael Courtney Burke, Sr. “Mike”, aka Pop-Pop, died on Monday, January 26, 2026, at his home in the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport, Mississippi. Mike was 85 years old. He was born in Hoosick Falls, New York, on September 11, 1940, to the late Thomas Morgan Burke and Julia Frances Power Burke.

Mike was proceeded in death by his parents; his daughter, Becky; his brother-in-law, Samuel L. Moore; his sisters-in-law, Terri Moore, and Sue Moore; and his brothers-in-laws, ET “Tom” Simoneau, Leiland M. Duke and Bob Woods.

He was devoted to his family and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. Remaining to cherish his memory is his loving wife Marion; his children, Debbie Burke of Gulfport, MS, Mimi and Paul Speyerer of Madison, MS, Michael and Jennifer Burke of Pass Christian, MS, and Emily and Matt Ryan of Arlington, TN; grandchildren, Thomas (Kayla) O’Neal, Mary (Mark) Smith, Josh Speyerer, Jackson Speyerer, Shelby (Sophie) Peranich, Owen Peranich, Leiland Humphrey, Thad Ryan, Burke Ryan, Corbin Ryan, and Celia Ryan; 8 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Barbara (Joe) Simoneau, Maureen Burke, and Tom (Barbara) Burke; brothers-in-law, Bill Moore and Jim Moore; and sisters-in-law, Betty Duke and Susan Woods. He will also be remembered by many cherished nieces, nephews, and many wonderful friends.

Mike attended St. Mary’s Academy where he played many sports but loved basketball and golf. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After basic training, he was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. While working at the gym, Mike met a Southern Belle from Vicksburg, Mississippi, who had also enlisted in the Air Force. Six weeks later, Mike married the love of his life, Emily Marion Moore Burke. On January 14, 2026, Mike and Marion celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

While in the military, Mike served as athletic director, golf course manager, and instructor. During his final four years at Keesler, he began to prepare for his next career as a Professional Golfer. In 1980, Mike became a member of the PGA where he managed golf courses in Raceland, LA, Forest, MS and finally Pass Christian, MS where he worked for 20 years.

In addition to being a member of the PGA, Mike was also a member of Mississippi Golf Association, Harrison County Tourism Committee, Mississippi Gulf Coast Hotel/Motel Association, and president of the Mississippi Golf Association for ten years. Among his awards and honors, he was the PGA National Bill Strausbaugh Award winner in 1991. On eight occasions, he received the Bill Strausbaugh Award for the Gulf State Section of the PGA. In 1988, Mike was the Mississippi Chapter of the PGA Professional of the Year, and in 2002, inducted into the PGA Gulf State Section Hall of Fame.

In addition to golf, Mike loved his Mississippi State Bulldogs. He also cherished times together with family and friends. He is known for his famous PopPop pizza, which he started making every Sunday night in the late 1970’s.

Mike was a devout Catholic and a faithful and loving husband, father, and friend. His legacy will forever live on through the countless lives he touched and the lessons he taught us all. Though we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the incredible 85 years he lived.

The family would like to thank the incredible staff at the Armed Forces Retirement Home for their loving care of Mike during his illness. Words cannot express our gratitude.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the family of Michael Courtney Burke, Sr.