Thomas Howard “Hub” McIntosh, age 75, of Burnsville, opened his eyes in Heaven on Thursday, January 23rd, 2025. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Wellington “Mack” and Lois Hughes McIntosh. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Stevie McIntosh, and a sister, Helen Hooper.
Following his childhood being raised on Jacks Creek, Hub jumped into his trucking career out of high school “working for the state, leaning on a shovel”. As his career persisted, Hub found himself as an owner/operator of his own long-haul tractor-trailer, hauling anything from PET ice cream to bubble wrap to places all across the country, like Fort Pierce, Florida where he would feed the squirrels out of his hand at the rest stop. Hub and Susie found solace and love in one another, bringing him 3 spitfire daughters to raise together; his absolute pride. Friends would come to know him and his girls as “Hub and the Hubettes”. His girls went on to give him grandchildren, gifting him his perhaps most well-known title, “Pawpaw”. Pawpaw Hub instilled a love for nature, the Lord, family, sweet treats, and camping within his grandchildren. Memories of camping and fishing together, getting paid in quarters to give him back scratches until he fell asleep, COPS reruns, and bird watching are among some of the most treasured during his time as Pawpaw. Like a pillar, he held his family together with unwavering support and reliably took care of those he loved the most until the very end. We now know that he is in his Heavenly home using his brand new eyes to read a plethora of Louis L’Amour novels. He is no longer in his wheelchair, but jumping and running with Jesus. He is using his brand new arms and hands to grill ribs and BBQ. As he walks ahead of those he loved with brand new legs down the streets of gold, we pray that he stops to slow down every now and then to hold the hand of his family and friends along the way.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 48 years, Rita “Susie” Buchanan McIntosh; three daughters: Dana Schronce (Gene) of Vale, Cheryl Renfro (Darren) of Burnsville, and Wanda Battisti-Adams (Dave) of Burnsville; seven grandchildren: Mindy Lemmons (Rudy), Tori Cryderman (Johnny), Abby Renfro (Andersen), Lili Thompson (Caleb), Madi Johnson (Dylan), Tommy Johnson (Addie), and Andi Franklin; seven great-grandchildren: Gavin, Grayson, Annie, Camden, Aspen, Crew and Lennox; a sister, Deborah McIntosh; special niece, Sheila McCurry; special nephew, Michael McIntosh, as well as several other extended family members.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 22nd in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Blair Harvey and Rev. Scot Garland will officiate.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Compassionate Care WNC for the wonderful care given to Hub. Memorial donations may be made to Gideons International at P.O. Box 264, Burnsville, NC 28714. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
