Mr. Michael Bernard

Michael Bernard was born in Cumberland County, to Martha Jane McKoy neé McKinnon and the late Matthew Woods Bernard on March 27, 1959. He departed this life at his home on Thursday, November 9, 2023. From a young age, Michael was an avid sports enthusiast. He played football and ran track while attending school at Terry Sanford Senior High. As an adult, he took his love for sports and coached youth leagues during his time off. Michael was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys and Duke Blue Devils fan. When he was not watching sports, he was watching his favorite Western shows, Michael was a jack of all trades... from truck driving to contract working. He never shied away from hard work. He was very gifted with his hands and, though many didn't know, he could draw which is why painting came so naturally to him. Michael was a man's man. He was never going to let you see him sweat and could match wits with the best of them. He also knew how to make others laugh whether it was cracking a joke or telling us when we were kids that when he was a member of the Jackson 5, he just was late that day, so they started without him. Michael always had a way about him that could put a smile on your face. He was always a snazzy dresser who would cross his legs and would look down and not a stitch of socks would he be wearing. He had a swag about him that let others know he was THAT ONE! Michael met Erma Jean Graham in 1977 during their high. school years and in 1985 they were married. To their union, God blessed them with two children: daughter SheNikka Cherié Martin neé Graham of Columbia, SC, and son, Michael LaRon Graham of Fayetteville, NC Michael is survived by his grandchildren Josiyah Martin of Chicago, IL, Dyamond Martin of Columbia, SC, and Hianiah Simmons of Fayetteville, NC; sisters, Gloria B.s Locklear, Julia Bernard, and Nancy Bernard of Fayetteville, NC, Barbara (James) McAllister of Durham, NC, and Beverly Gordon, Winston-Salem, NC; brothers. Matthew Bernard of Fayetteville, NC, Jerry (Shelia) Bernard of Clarksville, TN, Ronald (Felecita) Bernard of Milton, FL, Edward McKoy of Winston-Salem, NC, and Vincent (Malecia) McKoy of Jacksonville, FL; a host of neices, nephews, relatives and friends.

Mr. Michael Bernard

March 27, 1959 - November 9, 2023