Hugh Savage

Hugh Abbott Savage of Council, 76, passed away July 30, 2009, following a serious illness.

The funeral service will be held at Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church at 2:00 P. M. Monday, August 3, 2009, where he was a member for over 30 years.

Hugh Savage was born April 14, 1933. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh Alexander and Molly Hilburn Savage, and his sister Mary June Savage Wilson.

Hugh\\'s formative education was in Bladen County schools. In 1955, immediately after graduating from NC State University, he joined the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and continued that career for twenty years. He served in Viet Nam and was discharged in 1974 with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was also awarded Ribbons for Air Force Outstanding Unit, Air Force Longevity Service, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign. He was selected to attend Command and General Staff school along with other military schools that prepared officers for Senior Command positions.

Hugh was an active member of Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church. He was elected Elder and served many terms on the Session of the church. His tenure as Treasurer lasted for almost two decades. Hugh taught Sunday school for many years and continued to fill in when needed. He was an integral part of the committee responsible for the creation of the Bladen Parish where he served as a member of the Parish Council until his death. Hugh was the "point guard" that drew attention to one of the priorities of the two African-American and three white congregations that made up the Bladen Parish, which was to focus on achieving a better understanding of the various cultures within the churches. His service to the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina included being a member of search committees and Budget and Finance, among others. Although Hugh considered himself caretaker of the cemetery and church grounds, he was much more than that as was evidenced by the immaculate condition of the church and its property of the more than 160 year old church. Through his efforts Mt. Horeb is listed in the National Registry of Historic Sites. He was a strong supporter and fund raiser of the American Heart and American Cancer Associations.

Hugh was known to be an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors, especially when he was spending time with his boys. He belonged to several hunting and fishing clubs, never missing one of their cook-outs, where more than once he could be seen going back for a second (third?) helping.

Hugh is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Suzanne Darden Savage, sons Hugh Abbott "Chuck" and wife Ouida of Dallas, TX, George Michael "Mike", and wife Hetty, of Greensboro, Richard David and wife Vickie of Council and four grandchildren whom he cherished, Ryan and wife Caitlin, of Dallas, TX; Jaclyn Suzanne of College Station, TX; D. J. Savage of Wilmington and Summer Nicole of Council, and numerous friends he loved like family. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, son, brother, and friend. He will be truly missed.

James D. Bartlett, CLP, Shepherd to the congregations of Mt. Horeb and White Plains Presbyterian Churches, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Mt. Horeb Cemetery Committee, Lower Cape Fear Hospice, the American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society.