Hugh Cleveland Mobley passed from this life on February 16, 2023, at his cattle ranch in Charlotte Arkansas. He had been in home hospice care since June. Hugh was with his wife and was able to view the land he farmed for over forty years from the large picture frame window in his living room.
Hugh was born August 29, 1939, to Euford and Ruby Mobley in Ludowici, Georgia on a sharecropping farm that raised cotton and tobacco. He grew up in Georgia with his three younger sisters and four younger brothers. He was a big brother and had a positive influence on his siblings; he was still a young man when he drove his mom and family to the hospital for his youngest brother’s birth.
After graduating high school, Hugh joined the Navy. His first assignment was on a Minesweeper, a relatively small ship with a wooden hull. Although he struggled with seasickness due to the size of the ship, a highlight of his Navy career was being part of the Navy fleet that recovered one of the early NASA astronauts and spacecraft following a spaceflight. After his Navy tour, Hugh transferred to the Air Force and was assigned to the Civil Engineering Squadron. This is where he developed his skills as an electrician and in power production. He was stationed in Korea and served in the Vietnam War and was assigned to the Strategic Air Command during the Cold War. He achieved the rank of Senior Master Sargent, the second-highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. Hugh got to experience many parts of the world and was able to share these experiences with his family when assigned to military bases in Thailand and the Philippines.
After serving his country for twenty-two years, Hugh retired from the Air Force and moved the family to Arkansas to follow his dream of being a farmer. He started, “Rocking HAM Ranch” and raised hogs, cattle, chickens, guineas, goats, horses and four sons. Within the first year, the family built a new home with a large picture frame window overlooking the pastures. The home was only cooled with an attic fan and heated with a wood stove. His brothers and members of the Charlotte Church of Christ provided generous skilled help with building the family’s home. In 1993, Hugh’s ranch was recognized by the University of Arkansas for producing Arkansas’ overall Top Beef Bull of the year.
Hugh was soon presented with a new opportunity when a nearby electric power plant was being constructed, that needed the skills he had developed in the Air Force. He was hired the morning he applied which started an enjoyable and rewarding career with Arkansas Power & Light. His new job provided a modest living for his family, supported his dream of being a farmer and gave him countless new treasured friendships with his coworkers. Hugh retired from AP&L in 2001 after working at the plant for twenty-one years.
Hugh never attended college, but he made sure each son had the opportunity. He exemplified a strong work ethic and expected each son to work part time, but he always made sure the tuition was paid. The only time Hugh visited his sons’ colleges was to attend their graduations. His four sons accomplished degrees in Agriculture or Engineering, the same two professions he had a passion for.
Hugh is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Elton and Bobby Mobley. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of fifty-eight years, Ann Mobley, and his four sons; John and his wife Monics of Newark; Mark and his wife Lisa of Fayetteville; Matthew of Fayetteville, North Carolina; Luke and his wife Michelle of Batesville; and a whole lot of grandkids and great grandkids.
Hugh is survived by his siblings, Cathern Conley and her husband David of Pooler, Georgia; Mary Hirschmann of Collins, Georgia; Frankie Kenard of Savannah, Georgia; Walter Mobley of Westfield, North Carolina; Dennis Mobley and his wife Sue of Moberly, Missouri; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Hugh loved the Lord and faithfully attended Charlotte Church of Christ until his health prevented him from going. He made lifelong friends with his fellowship of believers and is thankful for the support the church provided him and his family.
A celebration of life & memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at 2 p.m., at the Charlotte Church of Christ in Charlotte Arkansas.
Interment of ashes will be on March 17, 2023, at 11 a.m., at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at Birdeye; 3600 Hwy 163, Birdeye Arkansas 72324.
In lieu of flowers, Ann asks that you bring a friend to your church in honor of Hugh.
Roman 16:16; Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.
