Michael Harvey Hilburn

March 24, 1953 - September 17, 2021
Michael Harvey Hilburn

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Michael Harvey Hilburn, beloved son of Harvey and Jean Hilburn, died peacefully at the Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion in Wilmington, North Carolina on September 17, 2021.

Michael is survived by his mother Jean Hilburn, his sister Carol Sellars, brother in law Bill Sellars, cherished niece Hannah Sellars, and many other relatives. Michael was a special uncle to his Godsons Jason and Eric Huggins, whom he loved very much. He also leaves behind dear and lifelong friends, Wayne Huggins, Mike Spahr Woody Dobson and Joe Jones.

Michael was born on March 24, 1953. He attended UNCW and later graduated from Cape Fear Technical Institute with degrees in Electronic and Instrumentation Technologies. He worked at DuPont, Keller’s, and YWCA before retiring.

Michael was smart, witty, funny, tenderhearted, and could have a knowledgeable discussion on most any topic. He was a pilot and took many trips to the Islands where he enjoyed scuba diving. Michael dearly loved his parrots.

The family would like to thank all of the staff that provided care for Michael at NHRMC and Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.

A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Skywatch Bird Rescue, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, or a charity of your choice.

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099


Purchase Flowers

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • November 30, 2022
    Laurie lit a candle:
    Lit since November 30, 2022 at 11:52:10 PM

  • October 07, 2022
    Vickie Davenport says:
    RIP my friend... glad our paths crossed🥂😊🙏

  • October 06, 2022
    Donna Benson lit a candle:
    Lit since October 6, 2022 at 10:07:11 PM

  • September 18, 2021
    Lee Ann Smith Rutledge says:
    I cannot believe you are gone. You have always been there for me. 50 years. RIP Michael. Love you!

  • September 18, 2021
    Jason Huggins says:
    To the memory of a fun, quirky, cool, and genuinely lovely man. He was the guy who introduced me to the real Batman, showed me what the apotheosis of swag looked like, and honored us unreservedly with his heart and kindness. A man who didn’t need a different drummer, he had his own and it was way more awesome than any other drum you’d ever seen. Savior of African Greys, collector of obscurities, ephemera, and stories, and a genuine enthusiast for enthusiasm. Here’s to Uncle Michael Hilburn, who passed peacefully this morning attended by his family and best friends. One of the last times we spoke he told me how truly blessed he felt being our uncle, how grateful he was in his heart for us as his nephews, and it was a feeling we shared. We were truly lucky to call you our uncle, and as hard as it was finding anything in your house or getting you to tell a story without 18 simultaneous digressions, it will be harder still without them. You lived an amazing life and burned your candle on both ends and in the middle throughout. The honor was ours sir. Here’s to your next great adventure.