His devoted family was by his side as Charles Michael Hinton, who was 67 years old at the time of his passing, died away early on Sunday morning, March 17, 2024. On April 24, 1956, Mike was born in Nash County to his parents, Charles “Speight” and Faye McMichael Hinton. Mike’s birthday is April 24. Not only did he pass away before his parents, but he also had his mother-in-law, Juliette C. Howard, who passed away before him.
Those who are left behind include his wife of twenty-eight years, Peggy Hinton; his daughter, Dawn B. Lee (and her husband Jason); his son, Phillip W. Briley Jr. (and his wife Kristy); his brother, Norman Bruce Hinton; his special aunt, Florence Horton; and his devoted sisters-in-law and caregivers, Janette Moody, Kimberly LaPointe (Chrissy and Kenny Ferebee), and Brenda J. Howard. Known affectionately as “Pap Pap” by his grandchildren, Tyde Lee, Annabeth, Everleigh, and Phillip Briley III, Mike was a doting grandfather.
The following are some of the endearing nicknames that he bestowed upon them: “Booger,” “Sugar,” “Snoggle Knot,” and “Junior.” He regarded them as the most adorable of his children. Mike was a devoted husband and father, and his children affectionately referred to him as “Pappy.” Through his strong work ethics, his hard labor, and his character that was honest, fair, and deserving of respect, he set a good example for others to follow. During the early 1970s, he was a member of the West Edgecombe Fire Department.
Subsequently, he worked as a firefighter for the City of Rocky Mount Fire Department from 1974 until 1978. Despite the fact that firetrucks possessed their own unique level of thrill, Mike’s interest was deeply buried in the realm of tractor components and bearings. Due to the fact that he had been honing his knowledge of tractors and the numerous components that make them up since he was a young boy, he became well-known for his ability to obtain “hard to find” tractor parts. He worked constantly to locate the goods that his customers need.
Mike was a well-respected individual who was frequently sought out for his expertise in a variety of tractor components. Michael took his position as the components Manager at Premier Equipment Company very seriously, and he demonstrated this by providing great service. He was a Ford enthusiast above all others, despite the fact that he enjoyed part searching for a wide variety of tractors during his spare time.
The high speeds and thrills of NASCAR were another sport that Mike adored, and he was always rooting for his favorite driver, #9 Bill Elliott. Mike also appreciated the exciting action of WWF Wrestling. The twenty-five years that they spent together as owners and operators of a magnificent specialized catering firm called “Top of the Pines Catering” were a source of great pleasure for him to work alongside Peggy.
Mike’s life was filled with a profound love for those who made his circle complete, and he will be profoundly missed by everyone who knew him. His family was the most important thing in his journey through life. At eleven o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, there will be a service held at the graveside at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church Cemetery, which is located at 3204 Western Blvd. in Tarboro, North Carolina.
After the service, the family will host a reception for friends, and they will also host further gatherings at their residence. Micalea Claiborne, Kim Lapointe, Sylvia Walls Tippett, Robert Claiborne and his family, Barbara and Kirby Dupree, Tim and Nancy Harvey, Richard and Pat Tolson, Suzette Wilson, and our Premier Equipment Family are among the people who have shown us the most compassion and support throughout this challenging time. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of them.
