Bryan Cooke

Michael Bryan Cooke, 41, of Mt. Pleasant, SC, died tragically, Friday, February 23, 2018 when he was shot during an attempted robbery while he and his father were working on homes for veterans. He was born on February 19, 1977 in Charlotte, NC to Mike and Lynda Bryan Cooke. Bryan was a happy, loving, affectionate, energetic child who grew into an excellent baseball player both at Wando High School (‘95 graduate) and the College of Charleston (‘01 graduate). Many people, especially former baseball teammates, still affectionately called him by his childhood nickname “Boog”. Bryan was a bi-vocational worship leader and owner of Cooke Landscaping. He led the music team at Life Community Church for the last ten years and welcomed everyone who came through the doors with his infectious smile and warm embrace. Bryan always loved working in jobs that allowed him to interact with others in the community. Most notable was the long stretch he spent at Starbucks where he was affectionately known as the “hot Starbucks guy” to local friends. When he was not working, Bryan could be found with his family, cheering on the Atlanta Braves, Dallas Cowboys and any sport his beloved Gamecocks were playing. Bryan never met a stranger, making friends easily and quickly; genuinely connecting with people as often as possible. Bryan was an avid beach volleyball player and it was while playing volleyball at the Windjammer that he befriended his future brother-in-law. It was just one of the many important connections that Bryan made in his lifetime. Loving people and connecting people was innate to Bryan. Baseball played another significant role in Bryan’s life: while volunteering as a youth baseball coach in Mt. Pleasant, Bryan met his wife who was cheering on her younger brother from the stands. They were married on August 26, 2011 on Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant. Not quite two years later their daughter was born on his very own birthday. Bryan is survived by his wife Jenna Iriart Cooke of Mt. Pleasant; daughter, Sophia Grace Cooke; parents Mike and Lynda Cooke of Mt. Pleasant; sister Lauren (Cooke) Hansen, brother-in-law Eric Hansen and niece and nephew Zoe and Aksel Hansen of Albuquerque, NM; and grandmother Patricia Campbell Bryan of Lugoff, SC; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family. Bryan was predeceased by grandparents Harry and Ruth Cooke of Charlotte, NC; grandfather Wilson Jennings Bryan, Jr. of Lugoff, SC; and uncle Michael Jennings Bryan of Lexington, SC. A Celebration of Life will be held at Seacoast Church in Mt. Pleasant on Saturday March 17, 2018 at 1:00pm. Bryan’s father, Pastor Mike Cooke of Life Community Church, is recovering from injuries sustained, but will officiate the service to celebrate Bryan’s life alongside Pastor Craig Snook. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted to www.mcalister-smith.com. Arrangements entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 1520 RIFLE RANGE RD, MT. PLEASANT, SC 29464. 843-884-3833