Michael Lee Cubbage

Michael Lee Cubbage Michael Lee Cubbage, fondly known as “Cubby”, was born July 21, 1950, in Charlottesville, VA. On Saturday, August 10, 2024, the angels descended and Michael is now in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Michael is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 35 years, Janice Cubbage, daughter, Jennifer Iams, grandchildren, Connor and Maddie Iams, a brother, Christopher Cubbage, cousin Kenny Thurston, who was more like a brother, and wife Rebecca, Myles Thurston, and Janice’s uncle, David Gravely, cousins Tommy Gravely and wife Debbie, Perry Gravely and wife Kathryn, Bill Gravely and fiancé Marsha Patterson and dear, loyal and dedicated friends Liza Holder, Laura Colwell and Tom Kelly. He leaves behind his best friend and golf cart riding companion Jax, his polar bear lab. Michael is predeceased by his parents L. L. and Margie Cubbage of Charlottesville, VA. Michael graduated from Lane High School in 1968 as a 3-star athlete and was awarded the first baseball scholarship to attend the University of Virginia (UVA) where he played third base for the Cavaliers. During his first year at UVA, he was also quarterback for the football team. In his senior year at Lane High School Michael was drafted but declined the offer; however, in his sophomore year at UVA, Michael was again drafted and accepted the offer by the Washington Senators, later known as the Texas Rangers. He played professional baseball with the Texas Rangers, the Minnesota Twins and the New York Mets. After his playing years, he worked his way through the managerial ranks, culminating as the Triple A level with Tidewater Tides. Michael coached in the Major Leagues with the New York Mets, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox. During his coaching career, he won World Series Championships with the New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals. Additionally, he served as Special Assistant to the President of the Washington Nationals. Commitment, determination and hard work resulted in his being inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, UVA Baseball Hall of Fame, Tidewater Baseball Hall of Fame and the Valley League Hall of Fame. After 49 years of professional baseball, Michael retired and he and Janice moved from Charlottesville to Lake Keowee, Sunset SC. The Cubbage family is grateful to Cottingham Hospice House, Seneca, for their compassion, understanding ways, professionalism and comfort provided during his care. Additionally, the kindness, generosity and loving spirit of neighbors and friends who live at The Reserve at Lake Keowee were beyond amazing and greatly appreciated. Should you wish to remember Michael in a special way, please consider a memorial donation to Pickens County Humane Society, 500 5 Forks Road, Liberty, SC 29657. The family invites you to join us Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Grace United Methodist Church, 309 East Cedar Rock St, Pickens SC 29671 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception at Orchard House, The Reserve at Lake Keowee, 931 Reserve Boulevard, Sunset SC 29685. Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Cubbage family.

Michael Lee Cubbage

July 21, 1950 - August 10, 2024