Michael Buck Cowley

Michael Buck Cowley passed away after an extended illness on January 16, 2026, with family and friends by his side. He was 71 years old.

Mike was born on March 30, 1954 to Helen Buck Cowley and Douglas Frank Cowley in Hampton, Virginia. He grew up in Portsmouth, Newport News, and Norfolk, VA, and graduated from Carrollton Oaks Academy. Rumor has it that his teachers were so excited about his commencement that they threw a party for themselves upon his graduation.

After a stint as a Marriott chef in Northern Virginia, Mike earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Old Dominion University where he met his devoted wife of 46 years, Barbara Thomas Cowley. Mike spent his professional career as an engineer specializing in plant maintenance for Burlington Industries and Aramark Corporation, and then founded his consulting firm of Cowley Engineered Maintenance Solutions. Mike provided plant maintenance expertise for a large variety of companies across the country and was a frequent guest speaker at engineering conferences. He also published several articles in engineering journals.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, his wife, and his in-laws, James and Helen Thomas. He is survived by his sister, Anne Cowley Brennan (Jeff Todd); his nieces, Claire Leslie (Colin) and Hannah Brennan; his great-nephew, Graham Leslie; his brother, Larry Cowley (Cynthia); and his brother-in-law, Lynn Thomas.

Mike loved and supported his family and friends. He accompanied his wife, Barbara, to her cancer treatments at Duke for over 7 years and became her expert and advocate in the battle they fought together. He and Barbara helped care for his mother, Helen Cowley, until her death at age 92, including weekly Sunday phone calls that always made her day. They opened their home to Mike’s sister, Anne, so that she could live with them anytime she needed during her college summers. They hosted the best Uncle Mike and Aunt Barbara weekends for Mike’s nieces, Claire and Hannah, when they were little.

Mike loved and served his Clarksville community. He was a devoted member of Jamieson Memorial Methodist Church for over 4 decades, where he sang in the choir with Barbara, was active in the Men’s Group, and was in charge of church maintenance. He also served as a volunteer with Clarksville Fire and Rescue for 17 years.

Mike was an avid boater enjoying many hours on Buggs Island Lake where he lived. He also enjoyed flying model planes, cooking and eating. Mike could build or repair almost anything. He was an expert pipefitter and welder. He was generous to his neighbors, friends, and family with his time, his talent, and his tools. He was even forgiving when his sister returned his mower and his weedeater slightly broken, repeatedly.

Mike’s family is grateful to all of his caregivers, neighbors, and dear friends, who spent many hours and resources to comfort, help, and support him during his extended illness.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at Jamieson Memorial Methodist Church in Clarksville, Virginia on Friday, January 30, at 3:00 pm with a reception to follow.

Arrangements provided by Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home.