Hugh Herrington

Hugh Edward Herrington, Sr., passed away at the age of 84, on Sunday, September 12, 2021, at Thomas Hospital, in Fairhope, Alabama, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Through the years, Hugh was known by many different monikers, “The Alabama Bull,” was given to him by his friends in Russia, “Mr. Clean” was his call name at the paper mill, “The Honey Badger” is the name his children chose for him because of his ability to bounce back from any adversity or ailment, and “Hurricane Hugh,” well that doesn’t need much explanation.

Born April 23, 1937, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, Hugh lived most of his life in Satsuma, Alabama.

Hugh graduated from Vigor High School in 1956.

After graduation, he immediately began his career with International Paper Company, Mobile mill, and “retired” with more than 36 years of service and accomplishments.

The retirement was short lived, as he worked an additional 8 years as an international consultant for International Paper Company Corporation.

In all honesty, he never truly “retired.” Hugh was always questioning, reading, inventing, and learning.  Signing up for Writing, Structural Engineering, Hydrodynamics, and Metallurgy courses at The University of South Alabama, without the standard prerequisites, would seem like an impossible feat to most, but not for Hugh, who earned all A’s.

He earned his Alabama General Contractor’s License and became a member of the Alabama AGC. He and his brothers co-owned Herrington Builders, LLC. His educational experiences were not limited to the walls of an institution. Additionally, he was a gifted writer and published author. Hugh loved fast horses, fast cars, and once broke his leg in a fast boat!

Time with family was best spent in his shop working on a variety of construction, woodworking, and furniture building projects, especially with his kids and grandkids.

If there was a tool that he discovered he didn’t own, trust he would have it the next day!

Boxing, arm wrestling, hunting, and fishing brought balance to his work and family life.

Hugh served as a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Mobile.  He frequently volunteered his time to numerous ministries that served the downtown community, as well as building restoration and coding improvement projects within the church. He served the City of Satsuma on the Board of Adjustments.

If you spent much time with Hugh, you’d know his wingspan was a 6’6” reach AND the distance from the tip of his thumb to the tip of his ring finger measured 11 ¾ inches! His athleticism, dexterity, and flexibility saved his life and the lives of others on numerous occasions.

A protective, devoted, and loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, Hugh loved his family fiercely.

Hugh was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Patricia (Showers) Herrington, his parents, Lee Ross and Ethel (Gray) Herrington, his beloved sister Mildred (Herrington) Ball, and niece, Cindy (Ball) Key.

He is survived by his daughter, Terri Herrington, sons Edward (Annette) and Albert (Nita) Herrington, and grandchildren Jesse, Evelyn, Amelia, Natalie and Lee, many nieces, nephews, and numerous friends that became “family.”

He leaves behind a legacy of strength, honesty, hard work, integrity, kindness, and compassion to his family.

A Graveside service will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5956 Three Notch Rd Mobile, Alabama 36619, followed by interment. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m., at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, prior to the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

First Baptist Church of Mobile c/o the Benevolence Fund.

806 Government St Mobile, Alabama 36602

www.fbcmobile.com (see “give” tab)

Comments and messages of memories and/or expressions of sympathy are welcomed.