Edward "Ed" Hobby

Edward "Ed" Hobby, 73, of Winterville, NC, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2025, after a courageous battle with leukemia. Known for his unwavering love of family, deep friendships, and lifelong devotion to ECU athletics, Ed lived a life full of joy, adventure, and generosity.

A Celebration of Ed's Life will be held Wednesday at 1:30 PM in the Wilkerson Funeral Chapel.

Born in Durham, NC, on October 20, 1951, he was the son of the late Edward Owen Hobby, Sr., and Louise Merritt Hobby, who later married Earl Earp. Ed was a graduate of Jordan High School, Wingate College, and East Carolina University. A proud Pirate, he was a dedicated supporter of ECU athletics, holding football season tickets for 50 years and rarely missing a home baseball game each spring.

Known as "Eddie" to his college friends, Ed deeply valued the lifelong friendships he built during those years. He cherished the ability to gather with them often, feeling as though no time had ever passed.

Ed had a lifelong love of the outdoors, especially camping on Hatteras Island, Portsmouth Island, Cape Lookout, and Ocracoke with his beloved wife Martha. He also enjoyed the annual two-week camping trips to Rodanthe, where he met new people and formed lasting friendships year after year.

An avid athlete, Ed played in Greenville's local softball and basketball leagues. His basketball team, the Rockers, became like family to him. He was also passionate about golf, where friendships flourished both at Ayden Country Club and later at Ironwood Country Club. He looked forward each year to the group's golf trips-fall outings to Myrtle Beach and spring trips to the Crystal Coast were among his favorite traditions.

Ed's career with Food Lion spanned 30 years, including 18 as manager of the Winterville store. To him, the "Food Lion family" was more than a phrase; it was a way of life. He took pride in mentoring young associates, watching them grow in their careers, and celebrating the milestones of customers and coworkers alike.

In addition to his family, Ed was surrounded by a large circle of dear friends who were like family to him, and he treasured each and every one.

Ed is survived by his devoted wife and companion, Martha; his son, Drew Hobby (Kayle) and their children Cannon, Jovalee, and his heart warrior Asher; his daughter, Megan Mobley (Jody) and their children Jordan and Jayden; stepson Kevin Fontana (Sabrina) and their children Paul (Casey), Hannah (Curtis), Connor, and Collin; stepdaughter Christina Brann and her children Chandler, Haven, Presley, and Luke; and stepson Chris Ward (Amanda) and children Peyton and Jackson. He is also survived by his only sister, Joyce Apple (the late Bill Apple); brother-in-law, Joe Satterthwaite (Joyce); sister-in-law, Judy Wobbleton (Danny); and his beloved nieces and nephews-Cindy Hales (Randy), Michael Apple (Bert), Chris Apple (Rhonda), Stephen Apple (Courtney), and Brian Apple (Meg)-whom he cherished, loved watching grow, and enjoyed celebrating every Christmas, Thanksgiving, and birthday with.

Ed's legacy will live on in the countless friendships he built, the family he adored, and the love he shared with all who knew him.