Harvey Johnson Hubbard Jr.

HUBBARD Harvey Johnson Hubbard Jr. "H.J.," 82, died September 1, 2006 at home in Sedley surrounded by his family. Mr. Hubbard was born April 17, 1924 in Rice, Va., and was the son of the late Louise Bradshaw Hubbard and Harvey Johnson Hubbard Sr. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 54 years, Dorothy Owen Hubbard, who died January 4, 2002. He was also predeceased by his brother, Robert Albert Hubbard. Mr. Hubbard attended Hampden-Sydney College from 1941 to 1943 and was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. His college career was interrupted by World War II and as an enlisted man he served as a Master Sergeant in the Chemical Warfare Division of the United States Army. He was among the group of WWII veterans recalled by the Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning to civilian life, Mr. Hubbard earned a degree in accounting from National Business School. He was employed by Camp Manufacturing in Franklin and retired after 30 years as the manager of purchasing and a member of the "management committee" for Union Camp's Fine Paper Division. Mr. Hubbard and his wife, Dorothy, were lifelong residents of Sedley, where they founded Hubbard Peanut Company, Inc. in 1954. Dorothy's recipe and day to day management, combined with H.J.'s vision and "after hours" work routine, led to success in their venture. Following retirement from Union Camp, Mr. Hubbard became president of Hubbard Peanut Company. He managed all company expansion efforts, and was instrumental in the design of key processing systems. With his entrepreneurial spirit, Mr. Hubbard helped to create what has grown into one of the leading peanut processors in the United States. Mr. Hubbard was an active member of Grace Memorial United Methodist Church in Sedley. He taught adult Sunday school, sang in the choir, led the MYF, and served as Lay Leader for many years. He was also chairman of the building committee and in that capacity led the rebuild when fire destroyed the original church in 1986. Mr. Hubbard served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for many years until his death. Active in many community organizations, Mr. Hubbard was a founding member of the board of directors of Southampton Academy and a past member of the Southampton County Zoning Board. He enjoyed membership in Cypress Cove Country Club. He is survived by three daughters, Lynne Hubbard Rabil and husband, Frank, Sandra Hubbard Edwards and husband, Jon, all of Franklin and Terri Hubbard Powers and husband, Tom, of Richmond; a son, Harvey Johnson Hubbard III of Sedley and his special friend, Michele Pierce. Mr. Hubbard is also survived by his three grandchildren, Marshall Rabil, Jessica Rabil and Kaitlin Edwards; and stepgrandchildren, Jonathan Edwards and Doug Edwards; and by his sister, Constance Hubbard Gills; numerous nieces and nephew; and special caregivers, Cathy, Dora, Lorraine, and Ryan. A funeral will be held Monday, September 4 at 11 a.m. at Grace Memorial United Methodist Church, Sedley, with the Rev. Elizabeth von Trapp Walker officiating. Rev. Mary Marshall will assist. Burial will follow in Rosemont Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, September 3 and suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to either Grace Memorial United Methodist Church Building Fund or the Sedley Volunteer Fire Department.