Michael Gray Hargrove was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on April 29, 1949, to the late John Edward and Geraldine Gray Hargrove. Michael passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, peacefully at Duke Raleigh Hospital with his daughters by his side.

Born and raised in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, he attended J. W. Parker Jr. High School before graduating from Rocky Mount Senior High School in 1967. During his time at RMSH, he made local history by integrating both the football and baseball teams. As a member of the “RMSH Blackbirds,” he demonstrated exceptional courage and perseverance, enduring persistent heckling and insults while maintaining his commitment to excellence on the field.

He continued his education at Winston-Salem State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1971. While at WSSU, he pledged the esteemed Mu Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, further shaping his leadership, discipline, and dedication to service.

His professional journey reflected both ambition and versatility. He worked with the Arco Corporation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, later co-owned a home cleaning business in Willingboro, New Jersey, and contributed his expertise to the Minority Business Development Agency in Durham, North Carolina. Across each role, he brought integrity, determination, and a commitment to uplifting others.

Michael enjoyed music, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Prior to his illness, Michael was a strong and active member of Sunset Road Church of Christ in Burlington, New Jersey and Brooks Avenue Church of Christ in Raleigh, North Carolina. He relished conversations about sports, politics or any mention of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Michael loved his three daughters and grandchildren. He was a proud and loving father who taught the importance of respect and expected honesty and integrity from those around him. His strength and guidance left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him and he will truly be missed.

Michael was preceded in death by his second wife, Caroletta (“Letty”) and his brother Edward (“Mickey”) Hargrove. He is survived by his three daughters Joy Hargrove Hinton of Raleigh, North Carolina, Jewel Michelle Grant (Silas) of Indianapolis, Indiana, Jewlia Lynette Woods (William, Jr.) of Raleigh, North Carolina; his sister Linda Hargrove Farmer (Jimmie) of Goldsboro, North Carolina;  sister-in-law, Estella Hargrove; his grandchildren, Charles Michael Hinton, Westley Earl Hinton (Mariah), Miles LaShawn Dupree, Isaiah DeMarcus Hinton, Jasmine Lorraine Dupree, Sophia Josephine Dupree, and William Woods, III (“Trey”). Four great-grandchildren, his Aunt Katye Gray Jenkins of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, his Uncle Joseph Gray of Nashville, North Carolina, two nieces, one nephew; and a host of relatives and friends.

Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held on 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2026 at Matthews Family Mortuary.

Final rites and professional arrangements are entrusted to Matthews Family Mortuary.

Please remember to sign the guestbook.