Michael Drummond Burky of M. Burky & Associates in Marietta, GA, passed away on Jan. 10. He was 80.

Michael Drummond Burky, M. Burky & Associates

Burky was born in Eureka, CA, on May 30, 1943, to June and John Burky, a captain in the U.S. Navy. The family moved multiple times during Michael’s childhood, living in Guam, Cuba and Washington, D.C.

Michael Burky received a bachelor’s degree in business and Spanish from Tulane University in New Orleans and would go on to spend over 50 years as a Georgia-based multi-line representative in the promotional products industry, serving many distributor clients in the Southeast.

“Mike was an industry legend,” said Jordy Gamson, CEO of The Icebox (asi/229395) in Atlanta. “I remember him being one of the first people that came to visit us when we started The Icebox, to welcome us to the industry. He was one of our very first suppliers. He was a great guy and set a high bar. He’ll be missed by many.”

In his spare time, Burky enjoyed playing tennis and cards, traveling, reading about history and politics, speaking Cuban street Spanish, and enjoying a good meal.

Burky is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Kimberly Stunkel (Daniel); and grandson, Sterling. “His unique, colorful and larger-than-life personality made a lasting impression,” said the family. “His favorite activity was bragging about his family and his grandson’s beautiful blue eyes that matched his own. His legacy lives on not only through his professional achievements, but also through the love and pride he felt for his family.”

A celebration of life will be held at Olde Towne Athletic Club, 4950 Olde Towne Parkway in Marietta, GA, on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET.