Michael Wilkins "Mike" Strain, age 62, of Hickory Creek Apartments, Shelby, NC, died Thursday afternoon, September 26, 2013, at Cleveland Memorial Hospital following a short illness.

Mike, a son of Sarah Violet Wilkins Strain of Shelby, NC and the late Samuel Butler Strain, was born February 23, 1951, in Spartanburg, SC. He was a 1970 graduate of Shelby High School and attended Gaston College.

He was a member of Shelby Presbyterian Church. Mike, an avid outdoorsman, especially loved fishing, hunting and exploring all the beauty of God's creation. More than anything, Mike enjoyed spending quality time with his dear family and friends. Showing kindness and sharing his life with others were traits Mike exhibited to both friends and strangers.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, Sarah W. Strain of Shelby, are his son Michael Wilkins "Wilkes" Strain, Jr. and wife Erin of Garner, NC; two brothers, Samuel Butler "Bee" Strain, Jr. and wife Martha of Shelby and Dr. Brian McCullough Strain and wife Charlotte of Roanoke, VA; his sister, Jennifer Simmons Strain "Sissy" Holcombe and husband William of Union, SC; his nephews, Captain Samuel Butler Strain, III and wife Jeni of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; Alexander McCullough "Alex" Strain of Roanoke, VA; and William Eugene "Will" Holcombe, Jr. of Union, SC; his nieces, Sarah Jessee Strain of Asheville, NC, and Sarah Simmons Holcombe of Union, SC; and his great niece, May Elizabeth Strain of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00PM, Sunday, September 29, 2013, at Sunset Cemetery, Shelby, NC. Services will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Luke Harkey and the Rev. Pete Gilbert.

Active pallbearers will be Charles Holley, Milton Rachels, Lem Rachels, Justin Ledford, Travis Glover, Butler Strain, Alex Strain and Will Holcombe.

The family will receive friends at the cemetery immediately following the committal service.

Memorial may be made to Shelby Presbyterian Church, 226 E. Graham St., Shelby, NC 28150 or a charity of one’s choice.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Strain.