Hugh Harkins

Hugh Smith Harkins of Fayette, Alabama passed away peacefully on September 7, 2023.

Hugh was born September 21, 1938 in Fayette AL to Mart and Lois Harkins and was a lifelong resident of Fayette.
Hugh is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of sixty years, June, his daughter Beth, son David and his wife Tennille, grandsons Dylan, Will and Christian, and great granddaughter Ansleigh. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Jerry Sisson and Scott Braswell (Martha), his nephew Joel Braswell, his nieces Denise Shelton, Renee Stough and Gail Tanner, and a host of cousins and close friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mart and Lois Harkins, his sister Ann Sisson, and his sister-in-law Kay Braswell.

“Hugh Smith”, as his mom called him, was a farmer, parts manager, and equipment operator. He enjoyed flea markets and equipment auctions, working on old cars and tractors, and generally “tinkering” around with anything he could. He was his family’s MacGyver. Hugh taught his kids and grandkids basic skills to repair bicycles and vehicles, lawn mowers and four wheelers, and everything around the house. When they were probably too young, he taught them to shoot guns, drive trucks and tractors, and cut down trees with a chainsaw. Hugh taught his children how to care for horses, cattle and pets, but more importantly how to respect, care for, and help other people. Hugh was a kind man that would help others in need, and he never met a stranger. A stranger was just a friend he hadn’t met yet. If Hugh was around, he and others were laughing. The sound of his laughter will be missed by his family and his many friends. Two words describe Hugh Harkins “helper” and “friend”.

Special thanks to his caregivers Geri McCool, Cindy Farley and Melissa Moore who have helped Hugh and June continue to remain as independent as possible. The family would also like to thank Dr Christian and her staff, Fayette Medical Center, and Fayette Medical Home Health and Therapist for the great care they have given him.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Nelson Funeral Home at 3 pm. Visitation at 2pm. Burial at Mt Vernon Cemetery.

Donations can be made to Fayette First Baptist Church-Together We Build Program in memory of Hugh Harkins.
 

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