Michael James Coolican III's Obituary
Michael James Coolican III, 84, of Memphis, Tennessee, a lifelong Memphian, passed away peacefully at his home in Cordova on May 27, 2026.
Michael was born on August 24, 1941, in Memphis and spent his whole life there. He was a family man at heart, someone who showed up, stayed steady through the ups and downs, and cared deeply about the people around him. Known as “Mike” to most and “Grandaddy Mike” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he took a lot of pride in his family and the life he built over the years.
Mike was a 1958 graduate of Catholic High School in Memphis. He spent his career in the printing industry, working as a pressman before going on to support the trade through ink sales. He was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to his craft over many years. Mike valued the many relationships he built throughout his high school years and his career and maintained those friendships throughout his lifetime.
Outside of work, Mike had a love for travel and camping with his family, creating lasting memories along the way. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles with his sons in his younger days. Mike had a special fondness for antique Lionel trains, a hobby instilled in him by his father and one that brought him great enjoyment throughout his life. Later, these antique trains became a way for him to connect with his grandchildren and share that same sense of wonder across generations. With a camera always in hand, Mike had a deep love for photography and was well known for capturing family moments. He enjoyed creating collages, slideshows, and videos—preserving memories for generations long before the digital age made it common. He believed the moments of everyday life mattered and took great care to preserve them so future generations of the family would always be able to look back and stay connected to the people and stories that came before them.
Later in life, Mike developed a remarkable passion for computers, technology, and genealogy. Originally sparked by time spent with his grandchildren, his curiosity grew into a deep appreciation for learning and staying connected in a rapidly changing world. He took great pride in having and enjoying the best technology available.
Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Carole Coolican; his parents, Michael James Coolican II and Gladys Coolican; his sister, Shirley Anne; and two of his four sons, Michael James Coolican IV and Kirk Joseph Coolican.
He is survived by his sons, Mark Coolican (Penny) and Keith Coolican (Barbara). He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Matthew Coolican (Leslie), Mallory Coolican, Mitchell Coolican (Lauren), Mason Coolican, Heather McLintock (Ryan),
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