William Morton Hubbard, 76, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Haywood Regional Medical Center. He was born on June 20, 1950, in Eden, North Carolina, to the late Edward and Nell (Morton) Hubbard.
Known affectionately as “Willie,” he grew up in a small town where he seemed to know everyone—and everyone seemed to know and love him. That genuine love of people remained a defining part of who he was throughout his life.
Willie graduated from John Motley Morehead High School in 1968 before attending Western Carolina University, where he earned his Bachelor of Education degree with a major in music. A talented musician, Willie played the trombone, beginning what would become a lifelong devotion to music and the joy it could bring to others.
He had an extended career as Business Manager with The Foundation for Evangelism. Willie gave generously of his time and talents to his church and community. For 42 years, he led the church handbell choir, while also lending his voice to the choir and stepping in wherever he was needed. He played in the community band for more than 40 years and helped coordinate the Fourth of July parades, where Willie could be counted on to show up with his tuba and add a little more music to the celebration.
After retiring at the age of 65, Willie took up pickleball and continued filling his days with music, fellowship, and the people he loved.
It was through music that Willie met the love of his life, Betty Lou. She first approached him about directing the church handbells. As the two spent time coordinating music together, their friendship grew into something much deeper, beginning a beautiful life they would share together for 44 years.
Betty Lou brought two sons, Robert and John Mark Stroud, into Willie’s life, and he embraced them wholeheartedly as his own. Family meant everything to Willie, and that love extended especially to his grandchildren. He and Betty Lou delighted in traveling to make family visits.
Willie also had a tremendous love for dogs and a particularly soft spot for those who needed a home. Throughout his life, he opened his heart and home to rescue dogs, and he left behind his beloved pup, Bowie.
Willie experienced a profound loss when Betty Lou passed away in 2022. The life they built together—rooted in love, family, faith, and, fittingly, music—remained an important part of his life.
For a man who spent so many years making music, perhaps Willie’s greatest gift was the way he brought people together. Whether he was behind a set of handbells, carrying a tuba in a parade, traveling to see his grandchildren, caring for a rescue dog, or simply stopping to talk with a friend, Willie gave his time freely and showed up for the people he loved. His was a life filled with music, service, laughter, and connection—and those who loved him will continue to hear its echoes for years to come.
Left to celebrate Willie’s life are his sisters, Bonnie Hubbard, and Barbara (Dennis) Larry; stepchildren, Robert (Vera) Stroud, and John Mark (Cindy) Stroud as well as many beloved grand- and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by not only his parents and beloved spouse, Betty Lou, but also a brother, Charles Edward Hubbard.
A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Waynesville, on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Visitation with the family will follow the service. A private inurnment will take place at a later date.
The care of Mr. Hubbard has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.