Michael “Mike” Bell Hubbard, age 64, of Sanford, North Carolina, died Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, after a brief illness.

Mike was born in Lee County, North Carolina, on May 23, 1952, to Edwin Archibald Hubbard and Dorothy Bell Hubbard.  He was preceded in death by his father Edwin.  Mike graduated from Fishburne Military Academy in Waynesboro, Virginia, in 1970, and attended Elon College in Elon, North Carolina. 

Mike worked alongside his father, eventually managing and owning the downtown Sanford landmark shoe store, Hubbard’s, for over 20 years.  Mike also enjoyed his part-time position with Chatlee Boat and Marine.  Mike was an avid golfer, boater, and fisherman and greatly enjoyed spending time at the family beach house in Swansboro with dear friends and family.  Mike was highly gregarious and he never met a stranger. He was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church and Sanford Rotary Club.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Gloria Johnson Hubbard; mother Dorothy Bell Hubbard of Sanford; daughter Jamie Womble of Juneau, Alaska; and sister Margaret Hubbard of Sanford.

The funeral service will be Friday, September 23, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Zion Christian Church with Reverend Steve Johnson, Reverend Martha Hubbard Forrest, and Mr. Robbie Yow presiding.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall immediately following the services and at other times at the family homes.

Memorials may be made to UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, UNC-CH, CB#7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, and Zion Christian Church Memorial Fund, 23 Zion Church Road, Sanford, NC 27330.

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