Hugh Clafton Barron Jr.

Hugh C. Barron, of Roswell, Georgia, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2022 at age 88. After a brief battle with an aggressive lymphoma, Hugh crossed over and joined his family members who had gone before him in heaven. They are no doubt having a joyous reunion!

A lifelong Southerner, Hugh was born in Dublin, Georgia to Hugh C. Barron, Sr. and Margaret Flanders Barron. He attended college at Texas Christian University and Memphis State before committing to his passion for flying, starting out as a crop duster and becoming a commercial airline pilot at a young age. He started flying at age 15 and carried on a tradition deeply rooted in the Barron family lineage. His father was a self-taught barnstormer and flying circus pilot before joining American Airlines, and his two brothers later became pilots for Delta and Trans World airlines. Hugh began his career at Central Airlines piloting a Douglas DC-3, later continuing his legacy at the helm of the Convair 580, Douglas 737 and DC-9 Super 80 for the original Frontier Airlines, where he became the highest-ranked Captain by tenure. Hugh finished his esteemed time in the cockpit as an international Airbus Captain for Continental Airlines in 1993. In 2009, Hugh was honored by the Federal Aviation Administration with the prestigious and rare Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for serving as an airline Captain for over 50 years.

In addition to airplanes, Hugh loved the outdoors. Over the course of his lifetime, he raised cattle and chickens, grew vegetable gardens, and always cut his own grass. He was known for his meticulously landscaped yard and loved feeding the beautiful birds that visited his terrace. He loved watching baseball with his buddies, was an avid reader of history and biographies and — most of all— he loved music of all sorts. From Gershwin to Alan Jackson, and Mozart to Willie Nelson, his favorite pastime was listening to beautiful music. He played the trumpet and loved to sing hymns. Of course, flying took him all over the world, and he loved to travel. He played a mean game of Scrabble, enjoyed a heated hand of cards or ping pong match, and invented games to play with his grandchildren. He delighted in silly jokes.

Hugh attended Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, where he was loved by many good friends. All who knew him, knew his devotion to the Lord and unwavering faith that influenced everything he did. He is preceded by his parents, his sister, Maggie Haltom and his brother, Bill Barron. He is survived by his loving wife, Trudie Wortham Barron and six beloved children and their families; Eva Zautra, Julie (Michael) Littlejohn, Renee Barron, Greg (Lisa) Barron, and Rachael (Michael) McCann and Catherine Anderson. He had fourteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren, and is also survived by his brother, Don Barron and a bountiful crew of nieces and nephews.

A memorial and reception to celebrate Hugh will be held September 8 at 11:00am in the chapel at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Roswell, GA. 955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30068. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and neighbors who have supported them through this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests to make donations to Johnson Ferry Baptist Church or charity of choice.