Alphonza Hough

Alphonza “Nicky” Hough, a beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away on September 10, 2024, at the age of 73. 

Alphonza was born on December 17, 1950, in Timmonsville, South Carolina, in a little red house to the late Hazer Hough, Sr. and Mary Ruth Wingate Hough. Alphonza attended Mayo High School in Darlington, SC. He then attended Denmark Technical College in Denmark, SC where he studied auto mechanics. It was at Denmark Technical College where he met his soulmate, Bobbie Jean Hines. The two fell in love, married, and produced two beautiful daughters, Teresa and Shannon. He dedicated his life to his wife and children. He raised his two daughters, Teresa and Shannon, with unwavering love and devotion. His strength and resilience were evident in the way that he navigated life as a widower after the passing of the love of his life, Bobbie Jean. He always put his children and grandchild’s needs first and ensured that they felt supported and cherished.

Alphonza, also known as “Al” by his fellow colleagues, celebrated a successful 35 year career in power plant mechanics at Carolina Power and Light, which eventually merged with Progress Energy, then ultimately merged with Duke Energy. Al moved up the company ranks through the years. He started as a traveling mechanic helper, then a traveling power plant mechanic. He subsequently became a senior traveling powerplant mechanic and was eventually promoted to a traveling crew supervisor. Al ultimately transitioned to a turbine specialist position in which he served as a trusted consultant to power plant engineers. Al retired from his role as turbine specialist for Duke Energy in 2019. Alphonza had a deep passion for all things mechanical and a natural ability for creative problem solving. He was known for his kindness, his generous spirit, and his unwavering commitment to his immediate and extended family. Beyond his professional life, Alphonza enjoyed restoring classic cars, woodworking and building, watching old westerns, and spending time with his grandchild Olivia, who brought immense joy to his later years.

Alphonza is survived by: his daughters, Dr. Teresa Monique Burks and Mrs. Shannon Sadé Wiggins; a son-in-law, Major Vincent Robert Wiggins, Jr.; a beloved granddaughter, Olivia Shannon Wiggins; twelve siblings, Reverend Dr. James (Marjorie) Wingate, Hazer (Rosetta) Hough, Julia (David) Jones, Mary Ghee, Minister Dr. Sandra Hough, Emma (William) Belin, Minister Larry (Hannah) Hough, Harry (Janie) Hough, Melinda (Algie) Richardson, Reverend Dr. Roanell (Teresa) Hough, Catrenia (Jeffery) Miller, and Lisa Hough; his nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Susana Gregg Hines; his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Susie Mae (Elijah) Cannon, Betty Jean (Philip) McNeil, Gladys J. (late Mack, Jr.) Hines and Samson Hines; a special cousin-in-law, Geraldine George; a host of loving extended family members; friends. Alphonza loved them all.

Alphonza’s legacy of love, wisdom, and kindness will live on through his daughters and granddaughter, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Please keep the family of Alphonza Hough in your thoughts and prayers.