John Luby Obituary

John Luby, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

John was born on October 19, 1942, in Lexington, Kentucky. He met Sally King, the love of his life, while attending University High School, when she was 14 and he was 15. They went on to build a beautiful life together, raising four daughters and sharing more than 60 wonderful years of marriage.

John began his newspaper career as a paperboy and, after college, served as Circulation Director for the Lexington Herald-Leader before moving to Charlotte. He ultimately became General Manager of The Charlotte Observer, serving in that role for 16 years before retiring in 2002.

John was deeply committed to his community and volunteered with several civic organizations, including the Central Piedmont Community College Foundation, where he served on the Board of Directors for 11 years.

One of John's greatest joys was coaching girls softball with the Park Sharon Softball Association. He coached for 15 years, pouring his time, energy, and heart into mentoring young athletes. Many remember him not only as a coach, but as a steady, encouraging presence during some of their most formative years.

He was also an avid golfer and longtime member of Carmel Country Club. A single-digit handicap golfer, John took great pride in his game and was known for regularly shooting his age.

He was a passionate University of Kentucky basketball fan, a love that stayed with him throughout his life.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Sally; his daughters, Meg Sandlin (Preston), Anne Meetsma (Mark), and Elizabeth McCabe (Todd); his cherished grandchildren, Grant Comer, Sarah Margaret Sandlin, Walker Misek, Meredith Sandlin, Connor Meetsma, Zander McCabe, Katherine Meetsma, and Andrew McCabe; and his siblings, Caggy Birdsong, Julia Juhasz, and Pat Luby.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Malka and John Luby; his brother, Carroll Luby; and his daughter, Laura Misek (Charles).

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his devoted caretakers, Alex Sanchez and Francis Sanchez; his primary care physician, Dr. Zsoldos and Perspective Health; his oncologist, Dr. Ai; and the compassionate nurses and doctors on the Hematology Oncology floor at Levine Cancer Institute for the exceptional care and kindness they provided.

The family will receive friends at South Mecklenburg Church on March 28 at 1:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Central Piedmont Community College Foundation or Levine Cancer Institute in his honor.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.