Obituaries

Michael is the beloved son of Mary Ann-Self Bowers and husband, Gaines, of Lincolnton, and James Charles “J.C.” Hill and wife, Liz, of Kings Mountain.

Michael was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Faye Houser Self and Ada Hill, and his beloved canine companion, Maco.
Other family members left to cherish his memory are his children, Logan Lewis and Madison Hope Hill; aunts, Nancy Self Russ and her daughters, Sheldon and Lauren Russ and Lauren’s son, Gabriel Russ, Carolyn Jane Self Travis and daughter, Leslie and her daughters, Emily and Whitney; uncle, Keith “Skeet” Travis; grandparents, Bill and Lib Bowers; his beloved dogs, Jaco the Gooch, Maggie the Wink, and George the Jethro; best friends, Toby Schronce, Jaie Warlick, John Burgin, and from Murrells Inlet, his buddies Ballcap, Dr. Jeff, Eric and Scott.

Michael graduated from West Lincoln High School in 1989 and graduated with Honors from Appalachian State University in 1993. Michael worked Undercover Narcotics for Watauga County and later for a Federal Drug Task Force where he was relocated to Little River, S.C. After retirement from law enforcement, he went into Timeshare Real Estate Sales where he was highly successful. If you ever met Michael, you just couldn’t help but like him, you loved him. His personality would light up a room, and his caring and compassion for others was evident in his generosity in helping the homeless, those struggling with addiction, the poor and those who felt they had no self-worth or nothing to live for. He gave people hope and the will to live. He gave lectures which touched many into changing their lives. He had a huge heart filled with love for his friends and his family, but especially for his mom. He and his mom were not just mother and son, but best friends, and no love was ever as strong as the bond the two of them shared. Michael is his mother’s world and her whole life revolves around him. Michael’s passion was working out in the gym. Twice each day six days a week; cardio in the mornings and free weight lifting in the evenings. He loved Metallica and Luke Bryan, loved singing, dancing and Michael loved life. When Michael walked into a room with his contagious smile, he didn’t leave until he had everyone laughing. Michael Hill has earned his Heavenly Wings. He will be missed by all who ever knew him, but more than anyone by his mom ... his “Big” as he called her.

The funeral was held 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.

Burial followed in the church cemetery.

The family received friends on Friday, Dec. 30, 2016, at Warlick Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Humane Society in your area, and please think of adopting or fostering a pet.