Hubert Craven Kinlaw

Hubert Craven Kinlaw, AKA “Bobo”, entered into his eternal home on Monday, March 23, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born on October 6, 1935, in Bladenboro, North Carolina, son of the late Furney Craven Kinlaw and Ella Guyton Kinlaw. Hubert was preceded in death by his wives, Frances Hester and Betty G. Kinlaw, his cherished daughter, June Kinlaw Koenig and his longtime companion, Darlene Younce Shook.

Survivors include his daughter Denise Kinlaw Cross and her husband Ray of White Lake, grandsons Jay Raynor and his wife Iliana, Josh Raynor, both of Elizabethtown, and Cliff Koenig and wife Leah of Carolina Beach, and four great grandchildren, Jamison, Sam, Craven, and Juliana Raynor; and his sister, Hilda Hall of Lumberton.

After graduating from Bladenboro High School, Hubert joined the United States Air Force and served active duty for four years. After returning to Bladen County, Hubert began his career with Sampson Bladen Oil Company in Elizabethtown; a career he was devoted to for 63 years. Hubert was an energetic salesman and storyteller and was a friend to many. His passion to help others was immeasurable. He was a member of the Elizabethtown Baptist Church.

Hubert was a founding member of the Elizabethtown Volunteer Rescue Squad and was active in Elizabethtown Jaycees for many years. He was elected to and served 34 years as Bladen County Coroner – Medical Examiner. For a short period, he was sworn in as Sheriff of Bladen County. He was bestowed the honor of a Lifetime Membership with the Elizabethtown/White Lake Chamber of Commerce and was honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Roy Cooper in 2019, for the significant impact he made in the community and State.

The family will receive friends from 1:00PM to 1:45PM on Thursday March 26, 2026, in the Elizabethtown Baptist Church Fellowship Hall located on Broad Street with a celebration of life at 2:00PM in the sanctuary. Burial will follow in the Bladen Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends and family at other times at the home of Denise Kinlaw Cross: 103 Turtle Cove Drive, White Lake, NC.

The family expresses their humble appreciation for your many acts of kindness shown to them at a difficult time. Please continue to remember them in thought and prayers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elizabethtown Baptist Church, 1800 West Broad Street or to A Shelter Friend, P.O. Box 2983, Elizabethtown, NC 28337.