Central Cremation Services respectfully announces the passing of Philip Hubacher III age 94 of Athens GA, on Thursday, September 11th, 2025.

Philip Hubacher III 2/4/31 – 9/11/2025
Phil was born in Carnegie, PA in 1931. His love affair with golf started as a 10-year-old caddy at Chartiers Country Club in Pittsburgh, PA. After high school he played basketball for a year for Bethany College located in Lindsborg, KS. The following summer he won several prestigious local golf tournaments and received a full golf scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. He became Pitt’s #1 player, team captain and the Varsity Letterman’s Club most valuable spring athlete in 1953 & 1954.

Phil’s part-time job while at Pitt was working with the Pittsburgh Parking Authority. He ran the lot next to Forbes Field where the Pittsburgh Steelers played. A Michigan State halfback gave him 4 passes to a Pittsburgh/Green Bay game and Phil gave two tickets to a friend who stated he would bring a girl that he thought would be a very good fit for Phil. Certainly, it was a good fit, as he ended up marrying Sandy on September 8th, 1956. During this time, he also became a member of the Carnegie Mason Lodge.

Phil had a very successful 29-year active-duty career as an Air Force pilot flying worldwide support mission. He also spent a year in Da Nang, South Vietnam coordinating the rescue of shot-downed crew members. He received numerous military citations to include the Distinguished Flying Cross. Lt Col Hubacher logged over 10,000 flying hours assigned first to TAC (Tactical Airlift Command), then MAC (Military Airlift Command). His career included numerous transfers while he and Sandy raised 3 sons. All 3 graduated from Georgia Universities and had successful careers.

Phil became a member of the Society of Seniors, a prestigious golf association, formed to provide strong competitions for the finest senior amateurs. He qualified for the 1992 and 1993 United States Senior Amateur of the United States Golf Association. Then he qualified for the 1994 Senior Open Championship which was sponsored by the Royal Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews Scotland.

In 2000 he and Sandy moved to Aiken, SC and joined the Palmetto Golf Club, where he and Sandy were members for many years. He served on the Club’s Board of Governors for four of those years.

Phil was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. A scratch golfer in his prime, Phil felt that his wonderful wife and caring family, as well as his love for golf, were the reasons for his long and active life.

Phil is predeceased by his wife of almost 69 years Sandy. He is survived by his 3 sons: Philip Scott (Robyn) Ocala, FL; Dwight David (Shannon) Laconia, NH; Bradly Thomas (Warner) Athens, GA. Granddaughters Amanda, McKinley, Maggie, Emma, Rachael, & Elizabeth. Grandsons Andrew, Burke, David, Philip, & Levy. Great-grandchildren Rhiley, Adalynn, Healey, Austyn and Hank, and his sister Margie Recker, plus numerous other family members who will miss his stories and positive outlook on life.

Interment will follow at a future date.

The staff of Central Cremation Services is honored to be selected to provide end-of-life services for the family of Philip Hubacher III.