Hugh M. Westbury

A memorial service for Hugh M. Westbury will be held on November 6, 2021, at Ashland United Methodist Church, 2600 Ashland Road, Columbia, SC 29210 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation following the service in Ashland Hall.Inurnment will be at Bush River Memorial Gardens prior to the service. Hugh McQueen Westbury, 94, passed away on October 19, 2021, after a life of love and service. Born in McColl, South Carolina, on April 13, 1927, he is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ruth McNeill Westbury; children, Hugh (Mac) Westbury Junior, Jane Westbury, Ann FitzMaurice (Mark), and George Westbury (Kim).He is also survived by his grandchildren, Caitlin, Mike, Magui, Zachary, Greg, Matt, Daniel, and Lauren.He is predeceased by his parents, M.S. and Annie (McIntyre) Westbury, and a sister, Sara Frances Evans, of Hartsville. Hugh graduated from McColl High School in 1944. He proudly served in the Army Air Force from 1945 – 1947 including service in Germany at the end of World War II.He attended Clemson University from 1947 - 48.Since Clemson did not offer a degree in Forestry, he transferred and graduated from NC State University in 1951.Hugh was employed by the South Carolina State Forestry Commission from 1951 until his retirement in 1983, at which time, he was the State’s Fire Chief. In recognition of his service to the state, Governor Richard Riley awarded Hugh the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor of South Carolina. Hugh was a man of strong Christian faith, a faith he practiced daily.He was an active member of Virginia Wingard UMC and later was a missioner and member of Ashland UMC, forging many strong friendships through both of these churches. Hugh had a wide variety of favorite pastimes including photography, conservation, and learning.He was happiest when he was helping others, whether it be teaching Sunday School, serving as a lay speaker for the Columbia District of the United Methodist Church, or checking the engine of any car that came to his house.Hugh was honored to be given the title of Trustee Emeritus at Ashland UMC for “keeping the lights on” and could frequently be found atop a ladder. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ashland United Methodist Church, 2600 Ashland Road, Columbia, SC 29210.The family would like to thank the staff of Jasmine Place for their compassionate care for Hugh during his last months.