Hugh Thomas Jernigan

November 29, 1947 - April 29, 2011
Hugh Thomas Jernigan


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Hugh “Hugee” Thomas Jernigan, 63 of Wilmington went home to be with his Lord this week.

He was born in Quantico, VA on November 29, 1947. He was preceded in death by his father Rev. Robert J. Jernigan, Sr.

Hugh was retired from General Electric Air Craft Engines. He was a faithful member of Church of St. Peter the Fisherman CEC, where he served as Director of Men’s Ministry, Rectors Council, and Parish Council, and a passion for the Early Bread Ministry. He loved nature and was an avid outdoorsman. A man of honor, respect, and integrity, who always put God and family first, one of the last true southern gentlemen.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate Carol G. Jernigan; his mother, Kate Jernigan; four children, Melanie Blair Jernigan, Brandon Humphrey, Larry R. Clewis, Jr. (Rebecca) , and Wesley R. Clewis; brothers and sisters, Robert Jesse Jernigan, Jr. (Ysabel), Marlene Jernigan Eaton (Larry), Elizabeth “Libby” Jernigan (Pete Mangum), Mary Lee Jernigan Hubbard (Tony), Dave Bailey Jernigan; grandchildren, Hunter Clewis, Bryanna Clewis, Destiny Clewis and Sean Gannon Clewis; Asher Wells and Cristian Corioti; and a multitude of family and friends.

Celebration of Life service officiated by Father Mark Johnson will be 2 pm Tuesday May 3, 2011 at Church of St. Peter the Fisherman CEC; 314 S. Carolina Ave., Wilmington. A reception will follow at the church Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Church of St. Peter the Fisherman CEC.

Please share memories and condolences by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403.


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  • May 02, 2011
    Pat Neely says:
    God be with you and yours Carol. He is a mighty comfort. Take things one day at a time and God will lead you through this difficult time. I am praying for you and yours, we know that Mr. Hugh is in heaven and is with his Gos and his family.

  • May 03, 2011
    MARK LEGWIN says:
    To Carol and Hugh's family, i wish to extend my sincere condolences in the passing of my good friend and former co-worker. My memories of Hugh will always be on the golf course, but my special memory of him will be of the eulogy he gave at Joe Pierce's funeral service. Hugh showed me that day what type of man he was. He truly loved his fellow man. The GE family has lost a great friend a co-worker.

  • May 03, 2011
    Toni McLean says:
    Aunt Carol & Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Toni, Chris & McKenzie McLean

  • May 02, 2011
    Sharon says:
    Carol and family,these are difficult times when we loose a love one. Remember we are not without hope if we know Jesus as our saviour. Love you and praying for you. Psalm 30:5 Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning

  • May 04, 2011
    Nora Murphy says:
    Libby and family, I was saddened to learn of the death of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family this week. love-nora

  • May 02, 2011
    Bobby Carmichael says:
    Carol and Family, I would like to convey my deepest condolences during this time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hugh was a great man and always had a smile on his face everytime I saw him. He will be deeply missed. Trust in the Lord. God Bless.

  • May 11, 2011
    Brenda Hatcher Parker says:
    Carol, please know that you are in my prayers. We just met on f/b a short while ago and you were telling me how happy you and Hugh were. I am so sorry for you loss. Love, Hugs, and Prayers. Brenda

  • May 02, 2011
    Rev. Rick & Vickie Armstrong says:
    Dear Carol and family, We were so saddened to hear the news about Hugh. I have counted Hugh as a friend for a long time. In fact, he was more like a brother to me than just a friend, back when we were teenagers. We hunted, fished, camped and just hung out together as much as we could. I count my life richer for having Hugh been a part of it!

  • May 03, 2011
    Ann Mintz says:
    My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Hugh was a good Christian friend. He was one of my brother's (Donnie Burris) best friends.

  • May 04, 2011
    john gryglewicz says:
    Carol, deeply sorry for your loss. Soulmates are gifts from God. You were blessed to have one. My love and prayers go out to you and your family. John Gryglewicz

  • May 02, 2011
    Kimberly Barham says:
    I was blessed to share time with this man who entered my life 14 years ago. I was not only Bryanna and Destiny mother to him it went deeper than that. I always felt like family regardless of our differences. I knew I could always call you and you would lead me the right way with any problem or just a simple talk or concerning those baby girls who were so LUCKY to have you as their Papa.. We will miss you but we know for sure your in heaven. RIP:PAPA Kimberly

  • May 03, 2011
    Sarah Burris says:
    My heart goes out to Hughbees family,I knew him as uncle hughbee. He was a great man that will be missed by many.

  • May 02, 2011
    Kathy Evans says:
    Carol and family, I thank God I have ya'll in my life and had Hugh there for so long, now he is helping his Lord continue the wonderful work he did here on earth. I thank God for your faith to help you through this sad time. I love you all so very much....

  • May 05, 2011
    Wiley and Shirley Harrelson says:
    Dear Carol, So sorry to hear about Hugh. I know it is hard, but God is faithful. Please know we care and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • May 01, 2011
    Karen & Bobby Roberts says:
    Carol and Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Karen and Bobby

  • May 01, 2011
    EVA LYNN PORTER GONZALEZ says:
    MY PRAYERS AND LOVE ARE WITH YOU AUNT KATE. I WAS A LITTLE GIRL THE LAST TIME I SAW HUGH THOMAS. HE ALWAYS HAS BEEN IN MY THOUGHTS AND MY HEART.I WOULD HAVE LIKED TOHAVE KNOWN HIM BETTER AS I GREW UP. I KNOW NOW HE IS WITH GOD AND UNCLE BOB. WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN WE BE A FAMILY. WITH ALL MY LOVE, YOUR NIECE LYNN & FAMILY (REYNOL,JARED,NOLY &ELIZA )

  • May 01, 2011
    john and nancy stout says:
    We send our prayers to Hugh's family. Have hope in tomorrow, have faith in the everlasting, and take comfort in the love of friends and family.

  • May 19, 2011
    Libby Jernigan says:
    Spending time with Hugh means you've eaten the best tasting collard greens ever, probably served with bear meat or chicken n' dumplings that melt in your mouth. Or time at Cape Fear Country Club playing tennis, watching Hugh surf at Wrightsville Beach Surf Club, many hours waxing his board, soaking up rays, 'allowing' his younger sisters to tag along. An avid photographer, Hugh's black+white photography, in the dark room switching his lefty swing to a right-hand swing, Hugh's tongue-in-cheek humor. Being a little sister believing whatever story he told, that the clicking sound our ancient car made when driving wer the 'nickels + dimes being picked up from the rode by our car', not quarters cause they're too heavy+big! Disco dancing to the Pointer Sisters' "we are family" in the 70's of course...MaryLee remember! Pete, happy to find Hugh loved shagging and had the smooth shagger's-shuffle. Quiet hours of fishing from a pier at the beach or by the Cape Fear. Cousin Bruce now the proud owner of madras shorts because his casual mention of liking Hugh's, wasn't long before Hugh presented Bruce with his very own pair. Mom loves to tell how Hugh was born so tiny his first bed was the top drawer of a chest. He grew to be a son at his Mom's side daily these last few years, for conversation, good company and for her care. Hugh, I hear the song "It is well with my soul" in my mind, your are my brother...I will miss you, Libby