Philip Mattham Stubblefield, Sr.

Philip Mattham Stubblefield, Sr., age 91, of Arden, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, during a brief rehabilitation stay at The Laurels of Hendersonville. He is survived by his son, Philip Stubblefield, Jr. and wife Wendy of Arden, and his grandchildren, Caroline, Ellen, Philip III, and Henry Stubblefield who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his sister Ellen Parrett of Somerset, KY, brother Tom Leake of Las Vegas, NV, and several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Philip was predeceased by his sweetheart, Juanita Cannon Stubblefield, to whom he was married for 44 years. He was also predeceased by his mother, Myrtle Stubblefield Leake, and two brothers, George and Sidney Leake.

Philip was born on July 21,1933 in Hyden, KY and spent most of his childhood in London, KY. After graduating from The Foundation (High) School at Berea College, he joined the US Army and served with an intelligence unit during the Korean War. He graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a baccalaureate degree in industrial arts in 1959. While visiting Asheville on business, he attended a dance and met a young woman named Juanita who would become his bride. In 1961, both he and Juanita earned master’s degrees from Vanderbilt University. They raised their son in Memphis, TN. Philip was a devoted and involved father, instilling godly values and embracing his son’s sports and other interests. He was a dynamic insurance agent, eventually becoming a district supervisor for Medicare, managing 17 counties in Ohio. He served as a deacon at Broadway Baptist Church, a Boy Scouts leader, and a Gideon with The Gideons International. After moving to Asheville, he worked in advertising and became active in lay ministry at Biltmore Church for several years. He also worked for numerous car dealerships retrieving and delivering vehicles all over the country. He did not enter full retirement until age 86. Philip enjoyed witnessing to others about God’s love and salvation through Jesus Christ. He always kept Gospel tracts in the front pocket of his shirt to give to people in the community.

During the last 22 years of his life, Philip could usually be seen taking his grandchildren to school, picking them up from extracurricular activities, taking them to a favorite restaurant, or cheering them on during sporting events and school performances. He lived right next door and was intimately involved in their everyday lives. One of his most celebrated accomplishments was teaching all four grandchildren how to drive. His wisdom and active presence in our lives will be profoundly missed.

Philip’s family will receive friends at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian located at 72 Long Shoals Road, Arden, NC 28704. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 2:00 PM in the chapel with Dr. Kelvin Moseley officiating. A live stream of the service will begin at 1:50 PM and may be viewed by clicking the link just below the obituary text.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Gideons International, Samaritan’s Purse, or The V Foundation for Cancer Research.