ANGIER, N.C.—Stanton “Stan” Lee Hilburn, age 82, of Angier, passed away on October 17, 2026 after a brief illness. 

He was born in Whiteville, the eldest of three sons of the late Stanton Henry and Luella Babson Hilburn. They resided in Bolivia, N.C. until he reached the age of 15. Stan was a graduate of South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte. He attended Central Piedmont Community College, obtaining an Associate Degree in Computer Science, after which he embarked on a career in the computer industry. Stan was co-founder of Comtrex Corporation of Charlotte, an early authorized reseller of Autodesk products including AutoCAD software.

From an early age, Stan helped in various ways at the Ford dealership in Bolivia where his father was manager. Growing up, Stan was an avid sportsman actively participating in boating, water skiing, snow skiing, racquetball, volleyball, and high school football. To further display his love of sports, Stan became a charter member of the Charlotte Hornets (NBA) and the Carolina Panthers (NFL) as a season ticket holder and enthusiastic tailgater. Stan's name "Stan Hilburn" is permanently engraved in the base of one of the "Indomitable Spirit" Panther statues at the Mint Street East Gate entrance of Bank Of America (Carolina Panthers) Stadium in Charlotte, and also on a banner inside the stadium, honoring the original Carolina Panthers Permanent Seat License (PSL) holders. He later became a season ticket holder for the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) for two years.

Stan and his wife, Kay, supported their community by serving as event managers for the North Carolina Senior Games State Finals for many years. Other interests were gardening, traveling, and square dancing. As part of their traveling, they both completed their bucket list of visiting all 50 of the United States.

Stan is survived by his wife of 26 years, Barbara Kay Allen Hilburn of the home; sons Stephen Hilburn (Amy) of Denver and Chad Hilburn (Jennifer) of Charlotte, both from a previous marriage to Linda Hindman Hilburn of Charlotte; grandchildren Courtney Hilburn Fulker (Jared), Austin Hilburn, Cameron Hilburn, and Caya Hilburn; and great-granddaughters Emery and Adelyn Fulker. He is also survived by brothers Carl Henry Hilburn (Linda) of Hillsborough and Ronald Wayne Hilburn of Stone Mountain, Ga.; two sisters-in-law Pamela Nelle Allen of Lafayette, Colo. and Teresa Allen Clark (Fenner) of Nashville, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews. Additionally, Stan was eagerly anticipating the arrival of great-grandson Reed Fulker.

A combined visitation and Celebration of Life will be held starting at 10 a.m. on Monday October 26, 2026 at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home located at 300 East McIver Street in Angier, NC. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Meadowbrook Cemetery in Lumberton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation, or to Wexford House located at 3900 Wexford Lane, Denver NC 28037.

The family gratefully expresses their sincere appreciation for the love and care shown to Stan by the entire staff of Wexford House Assisted Living during his brief stay with them.

Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Angier, N.C. is serving the Hilburn family.