Hugh Redhead

1942 - 2014

Hugh C. Redhead

Jackson

Hugh Curry Redhead, 71, died peacefully at home in Jackson, MS, Sunday, June 1, 2014. A memorial service at Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church will be held Tuesday, June 3 at 11:30 a.m. Visitation at the church will begin at 9:30.

The son of Robert McGehee Redhead and Leonora Curry Redhead, Hugh was born on October 15, 1942, in Woodville, MS. Growing up in Woodville, Hugh experienced the advantages and sense of community that a small town provided during the 1940s and 50s. He often entertained family with stories of the fun he had as a boy going to the movies every Saturday and getting popcorn, a Coke, and a ticket, all for a quarter. Other stories of hunting and fishing with his grandfather, father, and other family members and friends were shared. Sunday dinners after church in Centreville at the home of the family's beloved "Aunt Julia" were fondly remembered.

Hugh attended Baylor School in Chattanooga, TN, before returning to Woodville to graduate from high school in 1960. He entered Millsaps College the summer of 1960, joined the U.S. Navy in 1962, and served on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Independence. The Cuban Missile Crisis occurred while Hugh was in the Navy and was another often-told story. He was graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1968 and earned a law degree from the Jackson School of Law (Mississippi College School of Law) in 1974.

Hugh worked primarily as an attorney/landman in the oil and gas industry in Jackson but also spent time on the Gulf Coast and in Shreveport, LA. In 1992, he returned to Woodville to care for his mother. During this time, he was associated with the Mississippi Department of Human Services in the Child Support Division.

Hugh's early work experiences when home from college or between schools also provided great dinnertime conversations. He worked in a sweet potato canning factory, on a seismic crew ship in the Gulf of Mexico, and as a bellboy for a Memphis hotel, where he carried the bags for Loretta Lynn, being sure to secure autographs for family and friends. A favorite story was his brief stint in the movies when he served as an extra in the movie, "Alvarez Kelly".

On June 19, 1993, Hugh married Karen Ezelle Haymans and returned to Jackson. Hugh and Karen loved to dance and were often the first and last couple on the dance floor. In addition they loved to travel. A highlight of their travels was a Christmas trip to Ireland, Scotland, and England with their son, George, to visit their daughter, Selah, who was working on an advanced degree at the University of Glasgow. A trip to visit George when he was studying in Queretaro, Mexico and a Habitat for Humanity's mission trip in Honduras were also notable. Hugh's level- headedness and calm demeanor were most important on a Colorado River rafting trip when the boat Hugh was riding in almost turned over in some rapids.

"Perfect gentleman" was the universal description for all who knew him. He was a kind, thoughtful, unassuming man with a sharp wit and dry sense of humor. He loved his family. For Karen, Hugh brought joy in the morning that lasted throughout the day. For his children, of whom he was exceedingly proud, he was a source of unconditional love and constant support, and encouraged them to pursue their dreams, telling them many times over the years, "If you love what you do, then you will always be successful."

For his grandchildren, he provided a loving lap and a sense of playfulness and the ability to pretend which resulted in gales of laughter.

When Hugh's health failed, he made every effort to fight the good fight and remained the ultimate gentleman till the end.

Hugh is survived by his wife, Karen, his daughter, Selah Saterstrom of Denver, CO; his son, George Haymans of Oxford, MS and wife, Annie, grandchildren George Stouton, Hugh Hollingsworth (Worth) and Katherine Ann; a brother, Bob Redhead of Woodville, MS; a nephew, Stewart Redhead of New Orleans and wife Jennifer; cousins Nordy Redhead (Carolyn) of Natchez, MS; Dees Redhead (Elizabeth) of New Orleans; Virginia Ann Bethune (Dick) of Harrisonburg, VA; Julie Bristol (Ed) of Foxboro, MA; John Redhead (Katie) of Greensboro, NC; Betsy Osten (Judd) of Oxford, MS; and Rachel Williams (Malone) of Richmond, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. 22718, Oklahoma, OK, for pancreatic cancer research; St. Paul's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 207, Woodville, MS 39669; or the charity of choice.