A Celebration of Life for Hugh "Hooty" Jones Noble, 90, will be held at 2 o'clock, Saturday, August 19th at North Trenholm Baptist Church with The Reverends Casey Williams, David Knapp and Joe Copeland officiating. The family will greet friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. Private burial will precede the service.

Mr. Noble died Saturday, August 12, 2017. He was born May 7, 1927, in Copiah County, Hazelhurst, MS, to the late John Meridoth Noble and Lora Jones Noble. He grew up in Anguilla, MS, where he graduated from high school and subsequently from Hinds Junior College in Raymond, MS. After a short stint in the U.S. Navy, he earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi, majoring in banking. Realizing his talents lay in sales, he accepted a sales position with Office Supply Company in Greenville. MS. While in Greenville, he met his future wife, Regina Styles, on a blind date at her church. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. After briefly selling life insurance, he joined the American Seating Company which took him to Memphis, TN, and to Vestavia, AL. Following those years, he leased an oil company in Long Beach, MS. In 1973, he and a friend formed their own company, Educational Products Company, and moved to Columbia, SC. He later became President of the company until his retirement.

Hooty was a devout Christian, an active member of North Trenholm Baptist Church, and throughout his life served in various capacities and ministries in the churches where his work took him. Among them were Sunday School teacher, deacon, choir member and chairperson of various committees. He enjoyed his volunteer work in distributing Bibles to hospitals and doctors' waiting rooms. A ministry which he especially enjoyed was leading the singing for worship services at National Health Care, Parklane Rd. each week. One of his main joys was working with international students (Columbia Council for Internationals) sponsored by the University of South Carolina. He and Regina served as community hosts for many years and kept in touch with a number of the students after they left the University. On one occasion, they were guests of a Chinese student and his family in China.

Hooty was known for his humor and ability to entertain in any situation- family groups, church and social gatherings. He occasionally entertained in languages which were unknown to him; he recited stories with word pronunciations inverted and many extemporaneous skits and frivolities. His grandchildren loved his stories. He was often the life of a party and muchly loved for his jovial and always good nature.

In addition to his wife Regina, he is survived by his son John Meridoth Noble, daughter Melody Morris, son-in-law Tom Morris, grandchildren Kristen Morris Dudek (Michael), Kayla Morris Jones (Jeremy) and Taylor Noble. Also, surviving are two sisters, Jean Phillips of Brookhaven, MS, Mim Auter of Hattiesburg, MS, sister-in-law Francis Noble of Brandon, MS, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, grandson, Devin Kyle Morris, siblings Edna Earl Barlow, Hilda Martak, Jo Noble, Harold Noble, Jeanette Bishop and Mary Joyce Jones.

The family would like to thank caregiver Ina Massengill of The Haven, All Seasons Hospice at The Haven and Palmetto Health Hospice of Midlands Health & Rehabilitation for their loving care during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to North Trenholm Baptist Church, 6515 N. Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.