Hugh Ellis Huggins, age 88, of Decatur, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Riverside Assisted Living Center.
Mr. Huggins was born in Blount County, Alabama on January 24, 1938, to Guy and Nettie Ellis Huggins. He was a faithful member of Decatur Baptist Church for more than 60 years, where he served in many roles, always preferring to work behind the scenes rather than in the spotlight.
Over the years, Hugh was inspired by The Brady Bunch and dreamed of traveling with his family—journeys that took them across the West and all the way to Florida. He gave sacrificially of himself to create lasting memories. He also enjoyed camping, canoeing, yard work, and birdwatching.
Hugh worked for Monsanto Company as a forklift operator and played football in the company league. He was an avid Alabama football fan— “Roll Tide”—and his final spoken word was “Amen,” after a family member said those beloved words.
Known to some as “Hoppy,” he was best known as Pa-Paw to his grandchildren, who adored him deeply.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Nettie Huggins; brothers, Johnny and Wayne Huggins; and sister, Juanita Buckner.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jo Ann Huggins; children, Michael (Sarah) Huggins, Pam (Bill) Vaughn, and Christy (Eddie) Johns; grandchildren, Alex (Shelly) Huggins, Thomas “T.C.” Williams, Audrey Ann (Jacob) Smith, Cam (Madison) Johns, and Kristie (James) Edwards; great-grandchildren, Tatum Huggins, Xander Huggins, Josie Ann Smith, Wyatt Johns, and Lucie Edwards; sisters, Frances (Bill) Barnett and Nancy (John) Gentry; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Decatur Brown Service Funeral Home, with Reverend Benny Sivley officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until service time on Thursday at the funeral home. Hugh will be laid to rest at Roselawn Cemetery in Decatur.
