Hunter Stubbs

Asheville, Hunter Lamar Stubbs, age 47, passed away on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.

Born on November 27, 1969 in Gastonia, North Carolina, he was the son of Mary "Prissy" Stubbs Griffin and the late Lamar Frasier Stubbs and was also preceded in death by his stepfather, Allen Vance Griffin and sister-in-law, Lynn Hutchins Haney. He graduated from Gaston Day School in 1988, was an Eagle Scout and a graduate of NC Outward Bound. Hunter met his wife, Carla, in 1987 at a Young Life retreat, and they have been happily together ever since that time, recently celebrating 22 years of marriage. Hunter also developed a love for plants and the outdoors at an early age, which led him to pursue a double degree of Horticulture and Business at NC State University. He graduated with honors and went on to earn his Master's degree in Plant Propagation.

At the recommendation of JC Raulston, a professor and mentor, Hunter began his career in Asheville, North Carolina at Richmond Hill Inn as the Horticulturist in charge of 7 acres of Victorian flower gardens. It was here that he began sharing his passion for plants and people. The gardens were featured in Southern Living and became a destination garden in Asheville There, he started a popular garden symposium, "Speaking of Gardening" which continues on today in its 19th year and features both local and world renowned garden speakers and authors. Hunter's designs and articles have been featured in several publications, including "Southern Living", "Fine Gardening", and "Carolina Gardener". Hunter also taught at Haywood Community College and began a landscape design business, "The Creative Gardener".

In 2006, Hunter joined B.B. Barns as a partner, in charge of the landscape services where he worked to help make the world a more beautiful place, both by the gardens he created and constantly seeking ways to encourage and inspire those around him. Hunter loved spending time with his family and friends especially while: boating, wake boarding, snowboarding, mountain biking, hunting and hiking. Hunter had a great smile and a happy whistle as he worked hard and played hard, often seeming "larger than life". He had a strong faith in God, which directed every area of his life and anchored him during his almost 2 ½ year battle with brain cancer. He was a wonderful, loving husband, father and friend. He will be greatly missed.


In addition to his mother, Hunter is survived by his wife of 22 years, Carla Hutchins Stubbs; two sons, Hayden Hunter Stubbs and Carson Hutch Stubbs, of the home; a brother, Brian Eugene Stubbs and his wife, Sherry, of Gastonia; mother and father-in-law, Charles Hubert and Cecile Bonnette Hutchins, of Gastonia; brother-in-law, William Clayton Haney, III of Midland, North Carolina; as well as two nieces and two nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Central United Methodist Church of Asheville with Reverend Dr. Robert M. Blackburn Jr. officiating. Inurnment will be in the memorial garden of the church that Hunter designed. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church of Asheville Memorial Garden, 27 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801.