Heber Michael (“Mickey”) Adkins, 72, of Kinston, passed away on August 1, 2024, at 3HC Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, NC after bravely living with cancer for many years.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted Friday, August 16, 2024, at 2 PM in the Howard-Carter Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be private.

Mickey was born December 12, 1951 to William David Adkins and Vera Baker Adkins. He is a graduate of North Lenoir High School and served in the Army National Guard. Mickey was a devoted father to Jessica and Brandon and a proud grandfather to Brendan & Brayden.

Mickey was in the battery business for over 50 years, initially working with his father, and later starting Mickey’s Batteries which he owned and operated serving the Kinston community and surrounding areas. He will be remembered for his exceptional customer-service. Mickey enjoyed both customers and others he worked with through his business – quite a few becoming lifelong relationships. He was always lending a helping hand in both his battery business and in a multitude of other aspects of his life.

As a teenager, Mickey served as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Emma Webb pool and often spoke of the friends he made there. Later in life, he contributed time tirelessly to help keep several other pools in the local community open and vibrant so that others could enjoy them as he did.

Energetic, fun-loving, and kindhearted, Mickey was always a delight to be around. He made the most of everything no matter what life brought his way. He faced challenges with unlimited tenacity, energy, and positivity. Mickey appreciated the simple things in life… “Porch swings” were not meant just for porches - they could and should be hung and used almost anywhere to bring joy.

His fun-loving personality, subtle humor, and endearing 'silliness' were appreciated by many.

Mickey loved the North Carolina coast. He was happy sitting by the ocean and enjoying the view. He took great pleasure joining friends while boating. Music (primarily the music often known as 'beach music') was a source of much happiness for him especially while enjoying it with others. He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and ACC basketball, especially the Duke Blue Devils.

He loved working in the yard and keeping it nice. Mickey was known for the winter rye grass he planted and its cheerful bright green color. The extra work it required was 'well worth it' to him. His vinca flowers were also proof of his 'green thumb.'

Mickey had great love and compassion for the four-legged buddies he had throughout his life, most recently, Izzie and Happy. Mickey was a kind and caring man and true friend to many – both humans and animals.

Mickey's deep faith and daily Bible reading were a constant throughout his life – through both the good times and the challenging times.

He is survived by his long-time soulmate of over 27 years Jane Williams Hobbs of the home; daughter, Jessica Adkins Tyndall of Kinston; son, Brandon Adkins of Wilmington; grandsons, Brendan Tyndall and Brayden Tyndall of Kinston; brother Jimmy Adkins (Linda) of Florida; and many special nieces and nephews. Mickey is preceded in death by his brother David Crisp Adkins and survived by David’s wife, Susan Rush Adkins, of Wilson.

We are grateful to all of Mickey’s 3HC hospice caregivers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Mickey’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Lenoir County Animal Shelter or 3HC Hospice.