Obituary
Michael T. Booker, 66, of Port Orange, Florida passed away peacefully on July 14, 2024 after his battle with cancer. He was born on February 16, 1958 in Cape Charles, Virginia. He was the son of the late Thomas Booker and Nancy Williams Booker.
After graduating from Cape Charles High School in 1976, Michael, also known as Mike to his friends and family, attended Salisbury State University, where he received a BS degree in History and the University of Delaware where he received his MS in Public Administration.
Michael dedicated his career to local government in several jurisdictions over 36 years, making positive impacts through his application of successful manager – council relationships, broad policy knowledge, and strong leadership. He had the upmost appreciation of all his employees, often expressing that his success as a manager was attributed to their hard work and dedication. He started his city management journey in 1987 at the City of Milford, Delaware, and served through 1996. In 1996, he migrated south to the town of Bethany Beach where he served as Town Manager of a smaller, tourist-popular beach community until 1999. Afterward, he finally settled in at the City of Daytona Beach Shores, proudly serving as City Manager until his retirement in 2022.
Michael had many interests, particularly in sports where he was an avid golfer, zealous University of Florida Gator fan, and a dedicated sidelines spectator of his children’s teams – even serving as soccer coach for Port Orange YMCA Youth Soccer. Many will remember his big smile and witty sense of humor. He enjoyed traveling, golf outings with friends and colleagues, and playing his drums. He had a fondness for jazzy sports cars and convertibles and the simplicity of a fine cigar. In addition to loving his pets, most of all he favored the simple pleasures of being at home and spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, Michael was pre-deceased by his son, Andrew M. Booker. He is survived by his wife, Tracy Tanner Booker, son, Zachary T. Booker of Camp Pendleton, CA, daughter, Samantha C. Booker of Jacksonville, FL, and several stepchildren and step grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 11:00 AM. The service will take place at the Shores Community Center, 3000 Bellemead Dr., Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118.
You are now home in Heaven, and having a wonderful reunion with Jesus and family members that preceded you. I know you are watching with pride at how your family is there for Tracy and each other. You were always a good friend; you took time out of your busy day to stop in and see how things were progressing with my wife's cancer battle and discussing your similar battle. You even took time to pray with me. God called Lori home last year, you came to her Chappel service showing your friendship, you gave me a hug; and while talking I looked at you and your eyes were reddish & watering, as were mine (must have been the pollen)! These simple things showed me the kind of man you were, I mean going out of your way to show your compassion for others. I will miss our talks, but I will see you again when God calls me home.
You told me, “Dave, should this cancer take me from here, I promise I will find Lori and tell her how much you miss and love her.”
Although you are gone from our sight, you will always remain in our hearts and prayers.