Rev. Dr. George Carswell Hughs

The Rev. Dr. George Carswell Hughs died peacefully Tuesday, May 17, 2016, surrounded by family. Carswell was an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) for 41 years. He served churches in Norfolk and Springfield, VA; First Presbyterian in Charlotte, NC; First (Scots) Presbyterian in Charleston, SC; and retired from First Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, TN. Carswell was active in many community organizations, including the Downtown Rotary Club, Volunteer Ministry Center, Interfaith Health Clinic, and Shannondale Homes of Tennessee. In retirement, he tutored children at Dogwood Elementary School, delivered Mobile Meals, and enjoyed reading and napping on his screen porch. The second son of Nathaniel and Claire Carswell Hughs, Carswell grew up in Moultrie, GA. He attended Mercer University and completed both his BA and MA at Edinburgh University. He received a Bachelors of Divinity at Yale University, where he was class president. He continued his education at Union Seminary, Richmond,VA, and completed a PhD at Edinburgh University. Carswell filled a room with his quick wit, sense of adventure, intellectual curiosity, and gentle heart. Riding horses, sailing his Sunfish, and spending time with his family brought Carswell great happiness. His family includes wife Cynthia Copeland Hughs; son George Carswell Hughs Jr. and partner David Renfrew; daughter Ina McNair Hughs Johnson and husband Bruce; daughter Claire Carswell Hughs Kirspel and husband Dan; grandchildren Bennett, Mary Mac, and Anne Carswell Johnson and Anna Claire and Nate Kirspel; sisters-in-law Judy Hughs, Cathy Copeland, and Sally Copeland Pennington; nephews Nat Hughs III, Fred Hughs, and Chip and James Pennington. He is preceded in death by his older brother Nat Hughs Jr. and nephew Bill Hughs. For friends who may wish to make a contribution in Carswell’s memory, the family suggests First Presbyterian Church of Knoxville at 620 State Street, Knoxville, TN 37902; the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley at 6717 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919; or Interfaith Health Clinic at 315 Gill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. A memorial service celebrating Carswell's incredible life and the meaningful way he brought people together will be held at 11:00 on Friday, May 20, at First Presbyterian Church, Knoxville, TN. The Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Martin IV and Rev. Meredith Loftis will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. www.rosemortuary.com JEHOVAH-JIREH!

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Rev. Dr. George Carswell Hughs

June 22, 1935 - May 17, 2016