Hugo Lowell Whitten, Jr. died peacefully in the company of family and friends on July 19, 2014 in Memphis, TN at the age of 64. Hugo is survived by his wife, Ruth Akins Whitten; children, Hugo Sean Whitten, Arlington, TN and Meagan Leigh Rouse, Olive Branch, MS; sisters, Dr. Donna Whitten Banks, Madison, MS and Carol McAlister, Ball Ground, GA; grandchildren, Alexander Wray Williams, Noah Walker Whitten, Ashlyn Marie Rouse and Riley Ann Rouse. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Dr. F.B. and Martha Schirmer, sister, Diane Whitten, and grandson, Samuel Dean Rouse. Hugo was born on June 22, 1950 in San Diego, CA to Hugo Lowell Whitten, Sr. and Martha Roberts Whitten. He was a member of the Oakhaven High School class of 1968. After high school, Hugo joined the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged in January of 1975 with a rank of E5. After his naval discharge, Hugo began working for Chicago Bridge and Iron where he remained until graduating from Christian Brothers College in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. After several career changes and moves, Hugo returned to Memphis and landed at FEDEX where he worked as an Aircraft Project Engineer for 17+ years. Ruthie and Hugo have been very happily married since September 2000. Hugo was an accomplished Engineer and often went above and beyond while performing his duties. He lived his life with passion, vigor and held firm to a sound set of values. Family was always very important to Hugo, and he loved having his family gather at his and Ruthie''s home. Over the years, he coached multiple baseball and soccer teams and was a very active member in coordinating the Oakhaven High School class reunions. Hugo was an avid classic car buff, specifically classic Chevys. He spent as much time in his shop as possible restoring, tweaking and tinkering with his hot rods. He skillfully applied the knowledge he had gained over the years to create several beautiful cars. He was an active member of the Memphis Thunderbird Club and Memphis Streetrods. Friends have always held a special place in Hugo''s heart and he so loved spending time with them. During his last months with us, the outpouring of support and help from all of his friends was amazing. He truly touched many people''s lives and everyone''s help, visits, thoughts, prayers and kind words touched his heart more than you know. Thank you for everyone''s support during this time. Visitation will be held at Forest Hill Funeral Home East, 2440 Whitten Rd., Memphis, TN 38133 on July 23 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. The funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m. on July 24 at Harvest Church, 3645 Forest Hill-Irene, Germantown, TN 38138. Dr. Kennon Vaughan will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Hugo's life. Following the funeral service, graveside services will be held at Forest Hill Funeral Home East, 2440 Whitten Rd., Memphis, TN 38133 on July 24. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Harvest Church at 3645 Forest Hill-Irene, Germantown, TN 38138 or Fayette County Animal Rescue at P.O. Box 44, Rossville, TN 38066. Condolences can be sent to ruthieawhitten@gmail.com. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all family, friends and medical staff for their cards, phone calls, visits, help, efforts, care and dedication.

Forest Hill East Funeral Home 901-382-1000