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Michael Hillian Obituary
CHARLOTTE - Mr. Michael Lorenzo Hillian, 41, of Charlotte passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, July 20, 2004, in Charlotte. He was born May 12, 1963, in Winston-Salem to Calvin Sr. and Nancy Hillian. Michael was a graduate of Northern Forsyth High School, class of 1981, and he attended North Carolina A&T State University. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, the Rev. James Hillian; and his maternal grandparents, Mabel K. Lynch and William H. Lynch Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Wanda Johnson Hillian; three daughters, Brittny, Jessica and Jasmine; a sister, Teresa (Greg) Phillips; his brothers, Calvin Hillian Jr. and Randall Hillian; his mother-in-law, Danell Johnson; his father-in-law, Harvey (Sandra) Eldridge; his sisters-in-law, Lakenya Eldridge and Aurelia Hill; his paternal grandmother, Eva L. Hillian; special friends, Elijah Stewart, Kevin Cloud, Minister John P. Kee and Harvey Fuquay; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles; other relatives and many friends. A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, at Greater Cleveland Avenue Christian Church. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, at the church. Flowers will be accepted at Russell Funeral Home. Donations to the trust fund for his daughters may be forwarded to Mechanics & Farmers Bank, c/o Michael Lorenzo Hillian, 770 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. (Russell)
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Hillian
Marilyn
August 7, 2024
Even till this day I think of you sometimes. Always the most sweetest, most humble man I have ever known. Miss the studio sessions with you and constant words of wisdom. You will always be missed!!!
Darryl Geralds
July 20, 2024
Miss you my brother! Rest easy Mike.
Lititia Carter
January 31, 2024
Always with a smile. Beautiful Caring Concern Giving & Supportive Soul. I will forever cherish Mike´s loving kindness and beautiful soul.
LITITIA CARTER
2024
Lititia Carter
January 31, 2024
My apologies that I am just finding out such a sweet and beautiful kind caring soul has transitioned. Michael was always with a smile, very respectful, polite and caring. My sincerest condolences to the entire family. Lititia Carter 2024
How you can show support
James T McEntyre
December 9, 2022
My error
I thought he graduated from Parkland, but back then you could go to any school no matter what School district you lived in
Well for what is worth, I know I went to school with him at Hill High School on Tryon Street. He played on the school basketball team the Hornets and Mr Brinkley was the principal and he played the guitar
James T McEntyre Jr
December 9, 2022
I graduated in 1981 at parkham Senior High with Mike as we called him he was such a gentle soul
I just found out from his brother Randall about his tragic death in my 2020
I am very saddened by this
My belated condolences to the Hillian family
From Mr James McEntyre Jr aka Mack
Paris
July 28, 2022
Love you always Big Mike. You still resonate in my life and music. Miss you big bro.
Lauren Larimore/Brower
October 29, 2004
Michael,
You will always be my big brother. I'll forever be riding to a gig in that silver Toyota while you listened to Rush L. and I shook my head. Stopping for a snapple and watching your trademark headbob when you popped in a Level 42 tape. Heaven is funkier now that you are there.
To Mike's family-Parents, Teresa, Brothers, Wanda, & Children;
I am so sorry for your loss. There never was a brighter smile or a more loving and forgiving heart. Imagine my surprise on visiting my girlfriend Quincy today and finding out this news, so late. It was only last summer I was begging Mike to fill in on a gig with me. And only last week when I was telling our new bassist about this incredible musician who could play everything, hear everything and do anything. If I can ever do anything for any of you please contact me. Wanda, I ache for you. But Mike's faith never waivered. I am going to feel comforted knowing my big brother is watching over me.
Lauren
Renee(Richard) Pugh
August 9, 2004
Many things about tomorrow We don't understand, but We know who hold tomorrow and I know he holds our hand.
RUBY CAIN
August 5, 2004
NANCY, CALVIN AND FAMILY,
MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP EACH OF YOU IN HIS CARE IN THE DAYS, WEEKS, MONTHS, AND YEARS TO COME AS YOU HOLD DEAR TO YOUR HEARTS MEMORIES OF THE GOOD TIMES YOU SHARED TOGETHER.
LIFT UP YOUR HEART TO THE HEAVENS;
THERE'S A LOVING AND KIND FATHER THERE
WHO OFFERS RELEASE AND COMFORT AND PEACE
IN THE SILENT COMMUNION OF PRAYER.
PEACE AND LOVE,
Johnnie Hinton
August 3, 2004
Wanda,
I was deeply saddened when I heard about the passing of your husband. Know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Lisa Lash
July 30, 2004
To the Hillian & Phillips Family, my prayers go out to you all as I was so touched to hear of your great loss. God has prepared a special place for Michael....in His loving arms. He wants you to be comforted by knowing that you will see him again one day. Be encouraged and God Bless You, love Lisa Lash & Family
DIANN THOMAS
July 29, 2004
Calvin,Teresa and family:
MAY GOD FOREVER BLESS AND KEEP YOU IN HIS CARE.YOU'LL FOREVER BE IN MY PRAYERS.WE LOVE YOU DIANN,PUNKIN,PAULETTE SHERRIE FROM THE OLD MERCY SEAT.LOVE YOU
Mae Wolford
July 29, 2004
To the Hillian Family:
I was deeply saddened to hear of Michael's passing. May he continue to live on in all our lives, through the memories of the time his family and friends were blessed to have had him. Be strengthened.
Lisa McManus
July 28, 2004
Brittny,
My heart breaks for you. I am so sorry that you lost your father at such a young age. Try to always remember that your father loved you and that you will always have love for him. Keep the wonderful memories you have of the time the two of you spent together close to your heart. Also remember that you have cousins who are thinking of you and are sharing your grief. We are always here if you need anything. We are as close as the nearest phone. Tierra, Talaya, Brandon, and Bradley send their love and we will keep you in our prayers.
Pamela Burrell
July 28, 2004
To the Hillian Family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Mike was a fun loving person. I will always remember him from our high school days. My prayers are with you all. May the Lord be with you in your time of grief.
Cynthia (James) Payne
July 27, 2004
To the entire Hillian Family. Mike was such a special person. We graduated from High School together. I will be praying for your family to find strength in your time of need. He will always have a special place in my heart forever. He will be greatly missed.
Sandra Hughes / Taylor McQueen
July 27, 2004
Brittany when we heard the passing of your father our hearts went out to you.We've heard such wonderful things about your father, we wished we could have met him. One thing we do know, he loved you very much. May the lord be with you and your family at this time. We love all of you!!!
BECKY THOMPKINS
July 27, 2004
TO THE FAMILY, WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. JUST TRUST IN THE LORD AND HE WILL GIVE YOU COMFORT & STRENGTH TO GET THROUGH THIS TIME OF SORROW.
YOUR NEIGHBORS ON HOSKINS DR.
MR & MRS HOLYFIELD & WAYNE & BECKY THOMPKINS
Kathy Lanier
July 27, 2004
Teresa Phillips & Family
I know you and your brother were very close Teresa and I will pray for your strength in God. Even though there are rough times ahead, know that faith and prayer will always help you through. God is always there to hold you and rock you in His arms when grief is unbearable. May God Bless You and Your Family, Kathy Lanier, Coworker GMAC
Saundra Todd (Culbreath)
July 27, 2004
To the family, please know that you are in my prayers. I can remember last year at his grandmother's birthday celebration reminiscing and cutting up with Mike and Wanda and the rest of the family. He has been a "big brother" for me most of my life and especially at North Forsyth and A&T. He also was one of the people who truly believed in my talent, even when I didn't. I truly thank God for sharing His Angel, Mike with us.
Kathy Rector
July 27, 2004
Nancy & family,
May God ease your pain during this time of mourning. Your memories of your loved one will always sustain you. All of you are in my prayers. God bless.
Kenya Eldridge
July 27, 2004
Wanda, we love you. If there is anything that Alex and I can do, please let me know. When you need to talk to someone, please do not hesitate to call me.
Carolyn Mitchell Torrence
July 27, 2004
Wanda, my heart goes out to you and your family. I have known you for a very long time and you come from a Christian family. Remember to keep looking towards heaven and God will provide you the strength you need to carry on. Trusting and believing in Him will see you through. May God be with you.
Micheal Thomas & Family
July 27, 2004
I was very saddened and disturbed to hear about Mike's passing, Mike and I as well as his wife go way back and I know that nothing can be said or done to ease the pain. So just know that God is there to be your comfort and always, always know that "He Only Takes The Best." Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family constantly. Pray constantly because in PRAYER lies STRENGTH. May god keep you all in his care and give you continued strength.
Janine Caldwell
July 26, 2004
To The Hillian Family, May God be with you in your time of need. I am an old friend from school, You may remember me from childhood. May god bless you and keep you through the rough times.
Tawanna Bullock
July 26, 2004
Nancy,Calvin,Wanda,Teresa,Randy&Jr,
I have not seen you all in a long time and to hear the news about Mike was a indeed a shock, being that I had been trying to reach him for a while now just to say hello. I will always remember his Big smile and his awesome personality, he was such a good guy,very kind and loving,he will be missed so much.I pray that Gods peace and strength rest upon you all at this time of sorrow.
Love,
Tawanna
Tawann [email protected]
shanra collins,cummings
July 26, 2004
WANDA,AND FAMILY
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
MAY THE ROAD RISE TO MEET YOU AND THE WIND BE ALWAYS AT YOUR BACK.
MAY THE SUNSHINE FALL UPON YOUR FACE,MAY THE RAIN FALL SOFT UPON
YOUR FIELD,AND UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN,
MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND.
SHANRA COLLINS CUMMINGS
WENT TO CARVER HIGH WITH WANDA.
Roy C Hammond Shelia Cauthen
July 26, 2004
To The Family:
We are surely saddened at the lost of Mike. The most accomplished musician that we at Roy C Enterprises ever had. Mike was a VERY GOOD person and we enjoyed the time that we had with him. We know in our hearts that your husband, son, brother, cousin, etc. is gone on to be with our Creator. He was a jewel in the crown of life. Rest Mike, and know that you were surely appreciated, respected and loved.
Roy C Enterprises
The Legendary Roy C
Shelia Cauthen
Jennene (Peaches) Kirkland
July 26, 2004
My sincere condolences go out to the entire Hillian family. In your moment of sorry, fear, through every pain and every tear; know that God is always faithful to you. We have a loving and merciful God. Remember every child of God is spiritually alive, and even physical death cannot separate us from the love of God or our love ones. I pray that you find strength, peace, understanding and acceptance during this time of sudden and tragic loss. Humbly submitted the Kirkland Family
Crystal Foster
July 26, 2004
May God's love embrace your family in this time of sorrow. Remembering those wonderful days of practicing in the basement. My love always.
EARNEST JOHNSON, JR.
July 26, 2004
Mike and I go all the way back to the 80's when we first started forming band's. He was an inspiration as much as a great person. He was given the gift of being a very talented musician. I know his past and present aquaintances feel the same as I do. It's not often you come across an individual that always seem to shine and be positive in every way. Mike was certainly that way to everyone. On behalf of my group,The Phase Band, we send up prayers and blessings to his family for a friend that I know we could never ever forget. Rest assure, God has another project for him to do now.
Pastor Stephanie Hurt
July 26, 2004
Wanda, Nancy & Calvin, Teresa:
I was saddened at the news of Mike's passing. At the age of sixteen, he was one of my "band big brothers", and even up until the last time I saw him (in his studio a few years ago) he was still acting like my big brother.
Know you are in my prayers and if there is anything at all that I can do for you all, please don't hesitate to call me.
At this moment I truly thank God for the memories.
Love,
Pastor Stephanie Hurt (Barber)
Gineen Logan
July 26, 2004
I was sadden to here of Mike's passing and send my heart felt prayers and condolences to his family. I have not seen Mike in a number of years, but I will remember him as an accomplished musician with a big smile, but also as a sincere friend. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
CHATMAN FAMILY
July 26, 2004
NANCY&FAMILY
WE ARE SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOST OF YOUR SON. THIS IS THE WHEN WE WE PRAY AND ASK FOR STRENGTH. GOD HAS ALL THE POWER. WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR YOU AND YOU FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF NEED.
LOVE THE
CHATMAN FAMILY
Cynthia (James) Payne
July 26, 2004
I am going to miss you so much. Rest in peace, Mike
April Blair
July 26, 2004
I have known Mike from the music industry since 1992. He was warm, kind-hearted, loving and always had a smile on his face (I'll never forget that smile). I will truly miss you Mike.
Nakeshia McCloud
July 26, 2004
Teresa, my prayers go out to you and your family.
Betty Anderson Dent
July 26, 2004
Nancy/Calvin
My sincerest condolences in the loss of your son. I cannot imagine the pain that you are enduring at this moment, but know that there is strength in the Master. Peace be with you and your family.
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