Dr. John Rowley Hubbard

1934 - 2017

Gaffney, S.C. - Dr. John Rowley Hubbard passed away Saturday, January 7, 2017 in Mary Black Hospital Gaffney.

Born in Gaffney, S.C. on September 2, 1934, he was the son of Corbett Cecil Hubbard and Nannie Rowley Hubbard. A 1952 graduate of Gaffney High School, Dr. Hubbard graduated from Furman University in 1956 and received a D.D.S. degree in 1960 from the Medical College of Virginia.

Following graduation, Dr. Hubbard served two years active duty in the US Navy, stationed with the Dental Detachment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island. After release from active duty in 1962, he joined the US Naval Reserves and returned to Gaffney to open a private dental practice. He was a member of the Spartanburg County Dental Society, was active in the South Carolina Dental Association and served six years on the State Board of Dentistry, one year as President. He was selected for membership in the International College of Dentists in 1993. He retired from practice in 2004, having provided outstanding dental care for 42 years.

Dr. Hubbard had a significant career in the US Naval Reserves. He first served as Dental Officer at the Naval Reserve Center in Spartanburg and then at the Navy and Marine Corp Reserve Center in Greenville. Later assignments included the REDCOM SEVEN, Charleston, S.C. and as Commanding Officer of Naval Regional Dental Center, Charleston. He also served in Wilmington, N.C. and in Greensboro, NC with the SeaBees. In November 1987 he was selected as Admiral and was assigned duty in New Orleans. Selected for his second star in 1991, he became Deputy Assistant Chief for Dentistry, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery in Washington.

During his years of service in the Navy, Dr. Hubbard received a number of medals, including the Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Bar, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two hourglass devices, expert rifle and pistol medals, the Commandant's Award for Service as a Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer, and the Legion of Merit- Gold Star.

Rear Admiral Hubbard retired from the Naval Reserve February 1, 1993, having served his country, as he would proudly say, 32 years, 8 months and 25 days. Rear Admiral Hubbard was awarded South Carolina's Order of the Palmetto.

Dr. Hubbard's community involvements included membership in the Gaffney Rotary Club for 40 years as well as service on the CHAPS Board, the Cherokee County Planning Commission and the Spartanburg & Cherokee County Foster Care Review Board. He was a member of the Daniel Morgan Chapter of the Military Officers Association and served terms as Chapter Vice-President and Chapter President.

Known as a gentleman of truth and integrity, John lived by the Christian principles in which he strongly believed. A lifelong active member of Limestone Presbyterian Church, he devoted time to his church serving in many capacities, including the offices of Deacon and Elder and as church treasurer for 12 years.

Dr. Hubbard was preceded in death by his first wife of 42 years, Jean Gilreath Hubbard, his Furman sweetheart. Surviving in addition to his current wife, Hazel Lovelace Hubbard, are his daughter, Nancy Hubbard Andrews of Richmond, VA and son, Douglas Gilreath Hubbard and wife Lora of Gaffney; grandsons Brandon Hubbard, Jeff Andrews and John Andrews; step-children Harry Lovelace (Mariam) of Gaffney and Mary Loyd Lowrey (Wilson) of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; step-grandchildren Nikki Scurry (Jeffrey), Amy Bradbury (John), Thad Sparks, Perrin Lowrey, Wesley Lowrey, Nathan Lovelace, and Sarah Lovelace; step-great grandchildren Jadon Sparks, Jaxson Bradbury, Abby Bradbury and Scarlett Scurry.

A memorial service followed by a brief service of military honor is scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Limestone Presbyterian Church, 109 South Limestone Street, Gaffney, SC. A reception and greeting of friends will follow the service.

Military officers and members of Spartanburg County and South Carolina dental associations are invited to sit in reserved seating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to be made to Limestone Presbyterian Church, 109 South Limestone Street, Gaffney, SC 29340 or to Smile Train, 41 Madison Avenue, 28th Floor, NY, NY or Smiletrain.org.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com.

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, S.C.