Kennith Bryan Stubbs, Jr., 81 of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on May 19, 2024 at Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville.
He was born on November 15, 1942 to Kennith Bryan and Katherine Roberts Stubbs in Asheville, NC. Kennith was predeceased by his parents and his sister Evelyn Lynette “Lynn” Stubbs.
Ken was a devoted friend to many who never met a stranger. He passionately pursued his interests from beekeeping, flyfishing, and aviation. It was the last of these that had the greatest impact on his life.
Fascinated with aviation from a young age, he eventually became a lineman at Spartanburg Airport. It wasn’t long after that he became a pilot, flying his first solo at 16 years old, just a week before getting his driver’s license, then quickly learning to fly a crop duster. He would go on to tow banners at Myrtle Beach and fly commercial and corporate aircraft. He earned his Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic’s certificates and became a licensed Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), the highest level of pilot certification in the United States. In addition, he was a member of the prestigious and highly secretive aviation club known as the Quiet Birdmen. Ken co-founded the Western North Carolina Air Museum with two of his close friends. In the decades since, he remained closely involved and supportive of the museum and its work.
Ken is survived by his three daughters: Anne King (Bryan) of Henderson, NC; Angela Bell (Wayne) of New Bern, NC; Allison LeCroy (Michael) of Asheville, NC. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, a niece and nephew, and many close friends in the aviation community.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 4pm on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at the Western North Carolina Air Museum, 1340 E. Gilbert Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Western North Carolina Air Museum.
Condolences may be sent to the Stubbs family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or C/O Jackson Funeral Service 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please include the name of the deceased on the condolence.