Rudy Hubbard, 87, of Vero Beach, FL passed away Saturday evening, May 1, 2010 at the VNA/Hospice House in the presence of his Lord and with his wife holding his hand. Rudy was born August 21, 1922 in Canton, TX to Bonner and Nettie Teel Hubbard. He had two sisters and a brother that predeceased him. At the onset of WW II, Rudy joined the U.S. Navy, becoming a fighter pilot and training at NAS Vero Beach . He was the first pilot to land a plane at night with instruments only at this Naval Station. He was then assigned to the USS Hancock in the Pacific War Theatre.
At the end of WW II Rudy returned to Vero Beach and established several businesses here. He was best known for founding WGYL Radio - Were Glad Youre Listening. . At the time the WGYL FM station was established people didnt have FM receivers so Rudy had to pass out FM radios so citizens could listen to his station.
He was an active member of the community involved for many years in Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, Sunshine Physical Therapy and was a member of FBC for over 40 years.
Rudy is survived by his beloved wife Sally Eaton Hubbard of Vero Beach; and loving family of son Michael (Kathy) Hubbard and their children Bonnie, Eli and Andy all of Tallahassee, FL; son Chris (Annie) Hubbard of Port St. Lucie and their children Lindsay Greenway of Vero Beach, Tyler Hubbard of Tallahassee, Mara Kallich of Deland, FL and Alynda Doran of Orlando, FL; son Kim (Linda) Hubbard of Jacksonville, FL and their children Angela and Michael of Tallahassee; daughter Kimberly Hubbard and her children Andrew Mustapick and Evan Mustapick all of Vero Beach; and three great-grandchildren Aiden DeLuca, Lilly Hubbard and Levi Hubbard.
In addition to his parents and siblings, Rudy was predeceased by his first wife Miriam Skippy Hubbard and son Rock Hubbard.
A Celebration of Rudys life will be held at the First Baptist Church on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 6:00 PM followed by a reception in the Family Life Center at the First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be may to the First Baptist Church Youth Fund, 2206 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or the VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.