Kenneth Guthrie Justus, 83, of Hendersonville, NC died early Monday morning, April 6, 2020 at Transylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard, after an extended illness.

Mr. Justus was born on Saturday, March 6, 1937 to the late Bennie Fate “Pete” and Sally Edna (Cunningham) Justus. On August 30, 1963, he married his loving wife of 56 years, the former Glenda Jean Fortune, who survives. He graduated from Edneyville High School in 1955 and later received his BA in Agriculture from Berea College in Kentucky in 1959. Upon graduation Mr. Justus proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1959 to September, 1965. After being honorably discharged, he returned to his home in Hendersonville and joined the family business as an apple farmer. He spent many years in the field on a tractor while promoting the apple growing industry in Henderson County by serving on Apple Boards and helping North Carolina become the sixth largest producer of apples in the nation. His hobbies included fishing and boating.

In addition to his wife, Glenda, he leaves behind to cherish his memory his two sons, Donald G. “Don” Justus and wife, Margaret G. “Margo,” of Hendersonville, NC and Daniel E. Justus and his wife, Typhani, of Hollywood, FL. Also surviving are his three grandchildren, Chris Justus and his wife, Lauren; Cory Justus and his wife, Brianna; and Delaney Justus; four great-grandsons, Mason, Grayson, Parker and Isaac. He will also be remembered by his nephew, David Bradley and his wife, Linda, and his niece, Leca Harris and her husband, Rick. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved sister, Imogene Justus Bradley Miller.

A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Justus will be held at 11:00am on Monday, June 8, 2020 at Edneyville United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be offered to Edneyville United Methodist Church, 799 Bearwallow Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Ken will be forever missed by his loving wife, family and many close friends.