Obituaries

Hugh Edward Provost

Photo of Hugh Edward Provost
Hugh Edward Provost was born on February 16, 1948, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. His mother, Christine Hattle Provost pre-deceased him. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Bryles Provost, daughter, Ruth Provost, daughter, Rebekah Provost-Emmons and husband Jay Emmons, and grandsons, Jace and Myer Emmons. He graduated from West Memphis High School in 1966. He proudly enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a technician on the aircraft carrier, USS Saratogo, working on A-6 Intruders and A-7 Corsairs during the Vietnam War. He married the love of his life, Brenda, in 1970 after his four years of military service. He attended pharmacy school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and graduated in 1975 with a PharmD. He was a pharmacist for Jefferson Memorial Hospital before moving to the Middle East in 1981 to work for the International Mission Board as a pharmacist at Jibla Baptist Hospital in Yemen. During his time as a missionary, he also lived in Cyprus and Jordan, and traveled extensively throughout the Middle East and North Africa. After leaving the mission field, he worked as a pharmacist at a number of locations in Northeast Arkansas, most recently at Wal-Mart Pharmacy and iCare Pharmacy in Newport. He was also an active member of First Baptist Church in Newport. He was a large man, and he was also larger than life. He loved his girls and would do anything in his power to ensure their happiness. He had a great sense of humor and adventure. He was generous and giving in ways that most did not even see. He always took care of others first. He loved fishing and shared that passion with his grandsons. He was compassionate and loved animals. He loved good coffee and good food. He took his family on amazing vacations and grand adventures including a safari in Africa, dog-sledding in the Swiss Alps, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, and the Prathenon in Greece. He loved British comedies on television and actually enjoyed watching the sport of Cricket. He was a collector of rare firearms and liked antique shopping. He also loved spending time with family relaxing in his recliner, and in recent years, could often be found sitting there with one or both of his dogs in his lap. More than anything, his family wishes to celebrate his life and lasting impact. They will treasure their precious memories and know he will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Thursday at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation is Wednesday, 5-8 p.m. Interment: Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery at Birdeye. The family requests memorials to: First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 219, Newport, Ark. 72112. Williams Baptist College, c/o Aaron Andrews, 60 West Fulbright, Walnut Ridge, Ark. 72476, Jackson County Humane Society, P.O. Box 154, Newport, Ark. 72112. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.

Published February 28, 2018

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