Today, Alderson lost a legend. This evening the council and I prayed for peace and comfort for the family of G. Hugh Harris. At this time, I would ask you to do the same. Their family has had three major blows lately and this one touches us all very hard.

Hugh was the picture of small town America in its truest form. From serving in the Navy, to being on a ship under fire, being mayor, council member, on every committee, in every club, and the hardest working man I’ve ever known.

The one role Hugh served that touched everyone the most was as his role as an ambulance driver for Alderson Fire Dept. Hugh has safely, and with selfless devotion, drove us all thousands if not close to a million miles. Leaving customers setting in his office who came to buy insurance to answer an ambulance call.

Long before paid staff existed, Hugh was ever determined to make sure Alderson didn’t miss a call. Whether calling us individually to get a certified member to respond with him, or by walking out on his family during holidays to drive for one of us. No questions asked, any time day or night, Hugh was ready to go wherever we needed.

Well in advance of power cots, Hugh was an “older” member of the department who NEVER let us young guys help him carry his end of the cot. He was always on the lifting end rolling into the trucks. When truck was backed in the station it was stocked, mopped, and cleaned as if it’s next rider was him in need. Many many providers today could use a “Hugh lesson” in professionalism, devotion, and compassion.

Whether praying with the family of a loved one who had died, or the excitement of birthing a baby, Hugh was the man we all loved and respected. And we knew without hesitation or reservation he loved and respected us too.

As part of the legacy fitting to this Alderson hero, recently the documents he signed as mayor in the 1970’s helped us to work out some legal issues with the bureau of prisons. Hugh signed the ordinance that also enacted the library and many other projects in Alderson.

In some form or fashion, Hugh Harris has and will continue to touch us all. There are thousands of good memories of him and Alice Mae. I wish she’d send him home for the red dancing shoes again. But there is no doubt he entered the pearly gates to the sight of many friends who went before.

Rest easy 16-G, ol’ buddy we got it from here. There is no doubt that you will help the rest of those guys watch over, protect, and keep us.

I for sure, have a void in my heart this evening due to the passing of a true and devout “Aldersonian.”