Frederick "Buddy" George Hilbish

Frederick ‘Buddy” Hilbish

A much-loved husband, father, grandfather, friend and business man, Frederick “Buddy” Hilbish, 100, passed peacefully on August 3, 2024. He was born on April 20, 1924 in Piney River, VA to George Frederick Hilbish and Ada Lee Canody. He married Alice Jackson “Jack” on June 2, 1945, and went on to marry Betty Hagan in 1982. Buddy started his college education at VPI, now Virginia Tech, before going on to UVA earning a degree in mechanical engineering. After receiving his commission in the navy from Annapolis Naval Academy he served in the Southeast Pacific Theatre in WWII.

After returning from overseas, Buddy sold pots and pans door to door while earning a master’s degree in business from Harvard.  He started his career with Ford at a Trenton, New Jersey dealership. In 1954 he purchased Yoos Motor Company and moved to Kannapolis, NC. He went on to purchase Concord Motors in 1958 and built the current location of Hilbish Ford in 1968. Buddy’s strong work ethic helped him build a successful dealership, which celebrated 70 years in 2024.

Buddy had a love for his community, the outdoors and his family. He generously gave back to many organizations, including Cooperative Christian Ministries, Big Brother, Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Hospice of Cabarrus County, Atrium Hospital Foundation, Cabarrus Meals on Wheels, Concord and Kannapolis Police, Cabarrus Arts Council, Rowan Community College and All Saints Episcopal Church. He served on many boards and was always present in his community.

Survivors include his children and spouses, George and Lisa Hilbish, Melissa Hilbish and Hal Resnick, Grady and Sally Kennington, Dana Martin, Shelton and Robert Johnson; grandchildren and spouses, Anna Grace Hilbish, Dylan Resnick, Katie and LeVar Moore, Jake Kennington, Heather and David Prince, Drew and Olivia Martin, Nick Reid; nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Betty Hilbish and his brother Frank and his sister Jane and son-in-law Rick Martin.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 7th from 6:00-8:00 at Whitley’s Funeral Home in Kannapolis. A celebration of life will take place on Thursday, August 8th at 11:00 at All Saints Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, 525 Lake Concord Rd NE, Concord, NC 28025.