Buies Creek, NC: Mike Cogdill entered into the presence of God on December 10, 2025 at the age of 76. Mike was a man whose faith shaped his journey and whose gentle strength anchored those he encountered along the way.

Mike was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1949 to Glenn and Jeannette Cogdill. Mike’s parents and two brothers, Greg and Jeff, had significant and positive influences throughout his life. Mike grew up in New Prospect, where his father was the Warden of Lake Bowen and Chief of the local fire department. He was baptized on Mother’s Day in 1960 at New Prospect Baptist Church. Mike and his brothers loved sports, and he was a talented athlete who started on the varsity baseball and basketball teams at Chapman High School. When he was not playing ball, he learned the value of hard work at Lake Bowen, in the peach orchards, and at various jobs requiring manual labor. Those work experiences motivated Mike to increase his focus in the classroom, where he was taught by talented and caring teachers. One teacher, the wife of a local pastor whose youth group Mike had visited, took a special interest and played a major role in his calling by introducing him to Mars Hill College.

At Mars Hill, two significant events changed Mike’s life. First, he met a bright and engaging woman from Raleigh, Gail Brownd. Mike and Gail were married at age 21 and celebrated 55 years earlier this year. During a chapel service, Mike experienced a clear and personal call to ministry. He accepted the call, which he excitedly shared with the campus community and his home church. Mike’s acceptance of the call would define his direction and purpose for the next 55 years.

Upon marriage and a new home in North Carolina, Mike was blessed to join the Brownd and Blackwell families. Mike was a brother to Buddy, Diane and Roger, Joan and Milo, and Cindy and Mickey. He also gained new uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He loved being “Uncle Mike” to a group of incredible men and women who enriched his life.

Mike was fully devoted to his family. He was a proud father to Jason and Joya, guiding them with patience, wisdom, and constant support. Mike gained a daughter-in-law, Lori, and a son-in-law, Taylor, both of whom he loved and supported with the same care. Despite various degrees, titles, and accolades throughout his life, the role of “Granddaddy” was his most treasured. He deeply loved Thomas Cogdill, Hampton Cogdill, Emerson Austin, and Bennett Reese Austin, who brought Mike great joy and helped him experience life in new ways. His encouragement and guidance will continue to shape their lives and families for years to come.

Mike loved the local church and desired to see congregations function to disciple individuals and spread the love of Jesus Christ. Beginning in 1971 for more than five decades, Mike served in roles as youth minister, pastor, interim and transitional pastor, guest minister, advisor, and advocate. He formally served 25 different churches for extended periods in places ranging from Wilmington to Asheboro, including full-time pastorates at Roseboro First Baptist Church (1975-1979) and Spilman Memorial Baptist Church (1985-1988). Over the last 30 years, Mike was a dedicated Cooperative Baptist and denominational leader committed to building positive relationships among individuals and diverse communities of faith. Mike and Gail developed and enjoyed relationships with many ministers in various places across the country, including not only former colleagues and students but many others that became friends for life.

Mike’s calling expanded in 1979 when he responded to an opportunity and challenge from his mentor, Dr. Jerry Wallace. He joined the faculty of Campbell University as a religion professor. From 1979 until 1995, he taught and mentored undergraduate students, a role that he dearly loved. In 1995, Mike, Dr. Bruce Powers, and Dr. Wallace led an effort to launch Campbell’s graduate school for theological education. Mike was the first Dean of the Divinity School and served in that role for 15 years. Mike was blessed to serve with incredible faculty and staff committing to equipping individuals through Christ-centered, Bible-based, and ministry-focused education. As he acknowledged and we now reflect, the truest element of Mike’s calling was the encouragement and training of men and women of all ages who received or considered a call. Of course, over all these years, students and graduates of the Divinity School have had an incredible impact on Mike and on the world.

Mike returned to teaching full-time in 2011 and retired from Campbell in 2019. His retirement and Campbell tenure was celebrated in Butler Chapel on his 70th birthday in March 2019. That day was a true celebration of life and calling.

Mike and Gail are long-time members of Memorial Baptist Church. The family would like to express appreciation to their friend and pastor, Ed Beddingfield, along with the Memorial church family, the Campbell University community, many kind and generous friends, and all of the health professionals who provided great care during Mike’s recent illnesses and hospitalization.

A service of worship and celebration will be held on Friday, December 19 at 1 PM at the Hobson Performing Arts Center on the campus of Campbell University. Following the service, friends are welcome to join the family for fellowship at Butler Chapel. The family invites anyone attending to wear purple in honor of all of the Divinity School students, faculty, and staff since 1995.

Memorial donations may be directed to Memorial Baptist Church or Campbell University Divinity School (Cogdill Legacy Fund).

Live Stream Link: https://campbelluniversity.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=ed1b02d0-64e2-4a08-a8e2-b3b40163a0f4

Arrangements will by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson.