MICHAEL HYLTON
Michael Hylton was married for 50.5 years to Ruth Hylton. He is also survived by 3 "regular" children, Joshua, Rea, and Rose (before grandchildren he said he didn't have any grandchildren his were just "regular"), 2 sisters, Ava and Wanda, and 3 grandchildren, Duncan, Virginia, and Kira.
He was an agriculture teacher for 32 years; chances are, you probably are or know someone who was in his class. He mentored countless young people in the Future Farmers of America.
If it was broken, he could fix it. Or he knew someone who could. Or he would just drive the truck home in reverse because the truck was stuck in reverse.
Going places with grandpa was way more fun than going places with anyone else: toys and ice cream, included! He was always there; activities, graduations, anything: he was there loving you, supporting you, and cheering you on. He was generous. He would absolutely buy the thing that the kid was selling. He was a good tipper. It didn't matter how many friends we had over, there were enough Hardees biscuits in the morning for everyone.
He loved music, especially classic rock and 60s. He played the guitar. Bless his heart, as his hearing got worse, he just kept cranking the music up. He loved good food. He loved BBQ and anything sweet. We couldn't pass a K&W cafeteria without stopping. He was noted for making good coffee and waffles.
He died wearing a long-sleeved HOKIES T-shirt, wrapped in a quilt that Rea made for him, listening to good music, in a room that he built with his own hands. Iconic. We'll miss him dearly.
Ruth has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to the Carroll County FFA chapter at 100 Cavs Ln, Hillsville Va. 24343
Mike's Grandson has requested that in lieu of flowers donations to be sent to the American Cancer Society to help fight the cancer that took Grandpa. https://donate.cancer.org/
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM with sharing of memories at 5:00 PM at Carroll County Senior Citizen Center 449 Training Center Road, Hillsville, VA 24343.
Come as you are, wear Virginia Tech or FFA colors in Mike's memory if you have them.
A guestbook is available on-line by visiting www.vaughanguynnandmcgrady.com. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the Hylton family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel - Hillsville.
Mike Martin
April 23, 2023
If you got a crate from UPS labeled “Ag Teacher” and opened it Mr Hylton would fall out. He was the epitome of the 80’s shop wing of the high school teacher, just a blast to be around. I had him for forestry class one year, I would venture a guess that all of my male cousins had him as a teacher at one time or another. Quite a legacy he built over the decades. He was always easy to talk to, very amenable. He was incredibly smart and unassuming. Anyone who engaged in a conversation with him for any amount of time figured out pretty quickly he was a sharp dude. He was one of those guys that you would want around in the post-Apocalypse world to help rebuild, I believe he could fix just about anything mechanical. You did great work for your community on this earth Mr Hylton, well done Sir
Randy Bowman
March 30, 2023
So many great memories of Mike although I only had him for a 6 week rotation class in the 10th grade. Before the days of cheap scientific calculators our thing was solving an angle or finding a point as a contest. He was an agricultural teacher but a savvy mathematician. No matter how humble some people cannot hide their genius. He will be missed.
Billy Bryant
March 20, 2023
One of the nicest obits I have ever read. I was his student 10th grade 1981. Compared to the "popular teachers" at the time this man was human and humble. Thank you Mike, as time went along I recognize humility such as yours, you don't have to be a legend, yet you are now, and emphasis on common sense, dang, your student, Bill Bryant, Timber Sale Administrator, US Forest Service Mark Twain National Forest...
You done good son... Prayers... See ya soon
Samantha Felts
March 12, 2023
I'd like to say sorry and show my condolences to Mr. Hyltons family and friends I'm so sorry for you all lose! I had Mr. Hylton as a substitute teacher one time in school and I had his wife Mrs. Hylton as a teacher when I was in school. They are both good teachers and people. I'm praying for the family and friends!
Evona Jessup
March 10, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. We worked together at CCHS for many years. Such a likable guy, I'm sure his students loved him.
Jessie Robertson-Ayers
March 10, 2023
So sorry for your loss. He was a great teacher and loved his class. He was my teacher. He will dearly missed. Prayers for you and your Family.
Harold and Trudy Golding
March 10, 2023
Ruth and family, We were so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I tried to call him when I heard he was sick but did not have a working number. He was a kind and good-hearted teacher- always willing to help a teacher or student. He touched so many lives with his calm leadership. He will be missed by all who knew him. I was proud to call him a friend. You are in our prayers.
Suzanne Collind
March 8, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I enjoyed working with him at CCHS. He always had a smile on his face. Prayers for the family.
Jennifer Schmitt
March 7, 2023
My deepest sympathies are with you, Rose, and your entire family. Thinking of you!
Debra Vass
March 7, 2023
I am so very sorry for your enormous loss. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Doris Homan
March 7, 2023
Mike will be missed by all who knew him. He always wore a smile on his face and was very generous. Last time I visited him he gave me a big bag of apples from his own tree. Delicious! God bless the family in his loss!
Margie Quesenberry
March 6, 2023
Precious man with a precious family! He touched a lot of lives!
Linda Felix
March 6, 2023
So sorry for this tremendous loss! May God comfort and sustain you as you grieve.
Linda and Chuck Felix
Patricia Golding
March 6, 2023
Prayers for Ruth and all of Mike’s family. I taught with Mike for many years. He was a dear teacher who loved working with his students. He touched the lives of those he worked with as well as the students he had in class. He will be missed by many.
Faye Sykes
March 6, 2023
I am so sorry Ruth. I know how you feel. Stay busy and close to God. That has helped me. Call me if I can help.
Russell Jennings
March 6, 2023
Mike will be missed by so many. He had a huge impact on my life. He helped shape me into the Horticulture teacher I am today. He and his family are in my prayers.
Dennis & Sue Ward
March 6, 2023
We were very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was such a nice guy. Ruth, you and your family are in our prayers.
Patty Lyons
March 6, 2023
Love and prayers from me and Angie B. God bless you always.
Parke Quesenberry
March 5, 2023
Ruth, I’m so sorry for your loss. May your lifetime of memories bring you and your family comfort.
Kim and Rhonda Shropshire
March 5, 2023
So sorry to hear about Michael. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ruth and the family.
Mary Nester
March 5, 2023
I remember Mike for his big smile love for his family and friends .He always had a project going helping someone Him Ruth and kids we would have a cook out or just night with friends playing music Mike fly high you and Roy Joyce play great music in heaven .My heart goes out to Ruth and all family .God will see you thru .Prayers for all the family.
Stuart Shockley
March 5, 2023
He was my teacher and a friend. He always helped us kids when he could. I worked several years parking cars and helping him around his place. He was a good man.
Myron &Doris Leath
March 5, 2023
So sorry for your loss. He was quite a character.
A. L. and Edna Noblett
March 5, 2023
Mike was always a pleasant and quiet, willing to help with whatever needed to be done. He had compassion for all.
We send love and condolences to his family.
Robin Graham
March 5, 2023
Mike was such a legend. I am honored to say he was a teacher when I was a student, and a teacher while I was a teacher. Love and prayers for Ruth (my best co teacher) and the rest of the family.
Terry Elliott
March 5, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Mr.Hylton's passing. He was my AG teacher many years ago at CCHS. He was a good person and a very good teacher. I don't recall ever seeing him that he wasn't in a good mood and smiling. Prayers for the family.
Lola and Wayne Horton
March 4, 2023
Ruthie and family- Sorry for your loss. Michael was my best friends brother, Linda Hylton Webb we all went to School at Meadows of Dan.
Mike and Kathy Crotts
March 4, 2023
We have always thought the world of Mike, and we remember our experience of gardening with him at the community garden at Fairview. "Eggplant is better than a burger", I remember him saying...but I never agreed, haha. Prayers for your family!
Jim and Dianne Marshall
March 4, 2023
Dear Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the passing of your loved one. We have a dogwood planted in our backyard that I purchased from Mike in the mid 80’s. I think of him and your sweet family when I (Dianne)look at it. Bless you in the days and weeks ahead. With love and friendship.
Sharon Wickel
March 4, 2023
I knew Mike when he started dating Ruthie. I think they met at the dances at Laurel Fork community center, the “firehouse,” where he and Ruthie had their wedding reception. He had what it took to make Ruthie fall in love with him. I remember their wedding in the Lutheran Church in Gladesboro. Ruthie, the beautiful blonde bride, and handsome Mike, the young groom, Va. Tech Hokey. I was a self conscious bridesmaid dressed in lavender satin. Over the years Mike has been hospitable, kind and generous to me when I visited Ruthie at their home on Snake Creek Road which I dubbed the Hotel Hylton. He was understanding and patient as I shared my concerns with Ruthie and him during the marathon Scrabble games Ruthie and I played. A good man, father, grandfather, son, brother, husband, neighbor and friend. I thank Mike for his good example to me and to many others and I will miss him. I offer my condolences to Ruthie and their children and other loved ones. I am sorry I cannot be there for the service. I will listen to Vince Gill sing “Go Rest High on that Mountain” and will think of Mike.
Traci (Anderson ) Stoneman
March 4, 2023
He was a great mentor. I will remember him always.
Gladys Sumner
March 4, 2023
So very sorry for your loss. May good memories be a comfort in the days ahead.
Mary Lee McGrady
March 4, 2023
Mike was a quiet, humble man who went about doing good for his family and friends would always depart with a smile on his face.. love and sympathy to Ruth and family.
Tim Melton
March 4, 2023
I always enjoyed the many conversations and all that I learned about agriculture and FFA from Mr. Hylton. Thoughts and prayers with Mike’s family.
Rhonda Anderson
March 4, 2023
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the whole family. I never saw him without a smile on his face. He was one of the "good guys" and will be missed. You all are in my prayers. Let me know if you need anything.
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Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel - Hillsville1035 N Main St. PO Box 145, Hillsville, VA 24343

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