Mike York, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away unexpectedly in the early hours of Monday, June 1, 2026. When word came that morning, his family gathered quickly, flying and driving into Siler City, NC from across the East Coast to be together.

Obituaries often read as a list of accomplishments, and although every person is much more than that, Mike had a long list that he was very proud of: he graduated from Elon University in 1962 with a degree in History, and where he was a member of Kappa Psi Nu and president of his Junior Class. He went on to earn his Masters of Public Administration from Appalachian State. In his lifelong career as an educator and principal, he was selected for the Principal’s Executive Program at the University of Chapel Hill. He was a true public servant, serving as President of the North Carolina Association of Educators, President of the Ramseur Jaycees, and an annual poll worker. He never missed the opportunity to vote democratic, volunteered as a Precinct Chief Judge, ran for County Commissioner, and most importantly, worked as a principal in Randolph County Schools for 35 years.

Beyond his list of titles, he was an unexpected renaissance man: an accomplished gardener, lover of jazz, Harley Davidson rider, amateur photographer, cattle farmer, and avid reader. He taught himself how to type as a principal and continued to be ahead of his generation technologically, up to his use of ChatGPT to write Facebook posts. He had one of the wildest laughs you could ever hear: part howl, part cackle, part shout. He was unabashedly himself at all times, had a healthy disdain for rules (except for his own), and loved to dance on and off the dance floor. He loved animals and had a special and extremely high-pitched voice he’d use when he spoke to his pets.

Mike is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gwen York, known to the grandchildren as Mimi, whom he married at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Smithfield, NC. He is also survived by his daughters Martha Troxler and Kelly Cline; sons-in-laws Matt Troxler and Todd Cline; and his eight grandchildren: Sarah (fiancé Graham), Emma, Nathan, Rachel (fiancé Alex), Michael (wife Hailey), Jonathan, Abigail, and Joshua. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be directed to the Elon University History and Geography Department, St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Pittsboro, NC, or to the National Public Radio.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the York family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com