Kenny Hobby

Charles Kenneth Hobby passed away April 3, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Kenny was born April 9, 1953 into a large, loving extended family in Durham, North Carolina and had a lifelong love of music.
Becoming a drummer in his high school band kickstarted what would eventually set the course of the rest of his life as a business owner of live music venues throughout the Raleigh area. Kenny attended North Carolina State University, Graduated with a BS in Chemistry, Textiles, and Statistics. He was a few credits away from his Master's when unexpectedly presented with his dream opportunity. "Do you want this Bar?" and thus began his adventure.
The Silver Bullet was really the start of a long list of venues he owned, including The Brewery, which opened in 1983 and was a stop for up-and-coming local acts as well as national acts, including Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crowe, The Smithereens, Hootie & The Blowfish, Train, The Goo Goo Dolls, The Ramones, and Blind Melon.
Along with the music venues, Kenny also owned and ran College Beverage on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh – a NC State student favorite.
Kenny met his lifelong love, Lisa Thompson in late 1995. Together they moved to Wilmington in 1996 with dreams of a more relaxed lifestyle. Later, after moving further down the coast to Carolina Beach, Kenny frequented Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar where eventually, he started working by helping out with small jobs. This led to a full-time position in management when Kenny realized that retirement wasn't for him just yet. He remained there until his actual retirement in 2022. During this time, he made many long-lasting friends and truly loved the place and everyone there.
Kenny is survived by his anchor and light, Lisa Thompson, daughters April Schroder (Tyson), Christy Hobby, four grandchildren, Owen, Evie, Julia, & Tommy, all of Florida. He is also survived by his close cousins Terri C. Green and Wink Clark Jr. (Cathy).
He was preceded in death by his parents Patricia Cozart Green and Rudolph Hobby, and special aunt and uncle, Wink & Peggy Clark.
A Celebration of Life will be held 3:00 PM Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar for close friends and family.
We encourage and request that everyone please share memories and pictures on his tribute wall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to our local hospice, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare at
.
Care entrusted to Tranquility Cremation by Aquamation - 2209 Delaney Avenue Wilmington, NC 28403 910.769.1615
Past Services
Celebration of Life
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Starts at 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar