Rev. Dr. Michael Byron Hobbs

HENDERSON- Rev. Dr. Michael Byron Hobbs, 79, of Cotton Pickin Place, died peacefully January 9, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born June 29, 1943 in Norfolk, VA, he was the son of the late Elmer Thomas Hobbs and Norma Hobbs Conwell. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from N.C. Wesleyan College; a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew University in Madison, N.J. He served as a United Methodist minister in the N.C. Conference from 1975 until retiring in 2005 having served United Methodist churches in Rich Square, Goldsboro, Durham, Burlington, Rockingham and Zion UMC. Upon retirement Michael and his wife Gaye began attending Flat Rock United Methodist Church in Henderson where he served and volunteered for 18 years. He handmade and donated over 5,000 wooden clutching crosses distributed throughout 34 countries. He published four books; one, A Servant’s Song was a bestseller. Michael and Gaye established the Our Daily Bread Food Ministry in Rockingham, N.C. and the Hobbs Building, the permanent site for the ministry was dedicated in July 2011. A memorial service will be held Friday, January 13, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Flat Rock United Methodist Church by Rev. Robin Farner and Rev. Dr. Gerry Davis. He is survived by his wife of 39 years Gaye Sutton Hobbs, five children, Michael Thomas Hobbs (Laurie), Angii Hobbs Stephens (David), Lindsay Hobbs Wicken (John), Connie Fields (Doug) and Eddie Teachey (Sula); seven grandchildren, Jordan and Alec Hobbs, Gia Wicken, Paul Fields (Shellie), Jessica Hill (Charles), Ashley Hildreth (Jamie) and Carrie Lee (Eric); his sisters, Norma Hobbs Johnson and Lynne Hobbs; his sister-in-law, Ruby Hobbs; seven great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Tommy Hobbs and a nephew, Dean Hobbs. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Friday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Flat Rock UMC. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Flat Rock UMC, 2560 Satterwhite Point Rd., Henderson. NC 27537.