Hugh Franklin Hargett

Hugh Franklin Hargett, 79, Jacksonville, NC, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026 at UNC Health Chapel Hill, NC, surrounded by loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents; Cecil S. Hargett, Sr. and Annie Phillips Hargett.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Trinity Methodist Church, Jacksonville, NC at 11:00 am with Reverend Steve Smith officiating. Family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 prior to service.

Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years; Mary Jo Moore Hargett of the home, his children; Richard Hargett (Lisa) of Tupelo, MS, Michelle H. Johnson and companion (Bill) of Atkinson, NC and John M. Hargett, II (Heather) of Jacksonville, NC. His brother, Cecil Hargett, Jr. of Hubert. His grandchildren, Thomas Painter of the home, Alex Hargett and companion (Lillian) of Memphis, TN, Jessie Johnson of Sewanee, TN, Seth Stephens of Tupelo, MS, Cole Ezelle (Anna) of Flowery Branch, Georgia, Zachary Hargett of Tupelo, MS and Taylor Johnson of Tupelo, MS, His greatgrandchildren, Brentley Stephens of Tupelo, MS and Aubree Patey Ezelle of Flowery Branch, Georgia. And many other dear family members. He is also survived by his loving loyal canine companion, Fenway Hargett of the home.

Hugh grew up in Richlands, NC and graduated from Richlands High School (Class of '64). He served in the US Navy for four years and received an honorable discharge in 1971. He graduated from the University of North Carolina (Class of '68 and '73) with a BS degree in Business Administration. He started his career in apparel in North Carolina and later moved his family to Tupelo, Mississippi. He eventually moved into the furniture industry and became the Vice President of Sales with United Furniture Industry. In 2009, opportunity arose to come back to Jacksonville, NC to become the Owner-Operator of Foster's Military Shop and Shirley's Professional Alterations and Embroidery. Hugh was a member of Trinity Methodist Church and attended the Trinity Men's Bible Study each Wednesday and gained many great and wonderful friends. He also served on the board of the Onslow Pregnancy Resource Center, a calling which was dear to his heart. He enjoyed all sports, especially his beloved Carolina Tarheels.

Hugh was the consummate family man and loved every minute of life with them. He attended all sports events, every musical and all things the children and grandchildren endeavored to participate in. He was a wonderful mentor and the children always knew that he was there for them. Hugh was a loving and devoted husband to his wife throughout their 55 years of marriage.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Onslow Pregnancy Resource Center

3280-A Henderson Drive

Jacksonville, NC 28546

SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals

123 Old Mason Farm Road

Chapel Hill, NC 27517