Tributes

Howard Michael “Mike” Nophsker, age 59, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away on the morning of December 31, 2025. Born on February 24, 1966, in Alexandria, Louisiana, Mike lived a life rooted in hard work, deep love for his family and friends, and an unbreakable connection to the coast he called home. Mike was the son of the late Mary Elizabeth (Harbert) Nophsker and Howard “Gary” Nophsker. As a proud Air Force brat, he spent much of his early childhood traveling due to his father’s service as a fighter pilot. He lived in places such as Spain and Korea before eventually settling along the South Carolina coast. After moving to Surfside Beach as a child, he found the place that would always feel like home: Myrtle Beach. Once he arrived, he never truly left. The ocean, the waterway, and the rhythm of coastal life became part of who he was. He graduated from Socastee High School in 1984 and later attended Coastal Carolina University and earned his electrical education at Horry Georgetown Technical College. As a kid, Mike excelled at multiple sports, including wrestling, football, and baseball, carrying that same competitive spirit and love of athletics with him throughout his life. From a young age, Mike loved building things. He found satisfaction in problem-solving and took pride in seeing the physical results of his work. That passion led him to a successful career as an Electrician Project Manager, where he helped build many of the high-rise buildings that now line the Myrtle Beach coastline. Mike worked for United Electric for over 30 years until the company closed, after which he continued his career with Melton Electric. He was a respected leader and a skilled tradesman whose coworkers became lifelong friends and family. To know Mike was to know someone who showed up, worked hard, and helped others without hesitation. As a young man, Mike could often be found racing his brother barefoot to the beach, surfboard in hand. He spent many summers on the water with friends and family. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing with the friends who were like brothers to him, people he considered family. Dolphins held a special place in his heart, and the water was where he felt most at peace. Later in life, he shared that love by teaching his daughters how to surf and then proudly watching them make those memories their own. Above all else, Mike was an incredible father. He never missed a single game, match, or event. His voice can still be heard echoing through the soccer stadium, cheering loudly and without apology. He believed deeply in his daughters, often encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones. It was something that challenged them then and shaped them forever, something they are now endlessly grateful for. He affectionately called them Bumblebee and Butterfly, names that reflected his tenderness and pride. Mike had a generous heart and a helper’s spirit. Whether he was using his electrical knowledge to fix someone's floodlight, lending his truck to someone who needed help moving, or tipping a street balloon artist twenty dollars without a second thought, he gave freely to others while rarely spending much on himself. He was happiest helping. He found joy in the little things. Long drives around town, especially along the beach or the waterway. A good recliner. Listening to 104.1. Drinking purple Powerade. Snacking on Peanut M&Ms. Admiring his new truck. His favorite color was yellow, like the sun and the sand. Mike’s mom often referred to him as spunky, a word that fit him perfectly. He was a funny guy who loved to make others laugh and never took life too seriously. He was a loud presence in the best way, and if you could not see him in a store, you could always find him by the way he cleared his throat. Mike is survived by his two daughters, Amber Nophsker and Samantha Nophsker. He is also survived by his sisters, Linda (Angel) Canales of Connecticut, Debbie (Tim) Burkholder of Georgia, and Terri Kinsel of Florida, and his brother, Tom Nophsker of South Carolina. He is further survived by his aunt, Caroline Eneix, and her children, his cousins, Meredith Gulley and Gretchen Unger. To list all who knew and loved Mike would be far too long, as he touched the hearts of many through his kindness, humor, generosity, and unmistakable presence. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard “Gary” Nophsker and Mary Elizabeth (Harbert) Nophsker. Funeral service will be held 1:00 PM, Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel. Visitation with the family will be held from 4-7 PM, Friday, January 9, 2026 also at the funeral home. Mike’s legacy lives on in the skyline he helped build, the daughters he loved fiercely, and the countless people whose lives he touched.

Tributes

Howard Michael "Mike" Nophsker

February 24, 1966 - December 31, 2025