Hugh Graham Pepper, 98, of Athens, passed away at his residence on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Mr. Pepper was born March 11, 1927, to Johnny Pepper and Margaret Lewis Pepper in Limestone County.
Mr. Pepper was preceded in death by his loving wife of 76 years, Sarah Stovall Pepper; their first son who died at birth; grandson, Trent Fain; parents, Johnny and Margaret Pepper; brothers, Cloyd Pepper, Sydney Pepper, Paul Pepper, David Pepper, Frank Pepper, Morris Pepper; and sisters, Nancy Faye Pepper, Eunice Pepper, Jane Rodman, and Joan Raby. He was the last member of his Pepper family.
Survivors include his sons, Tim Pepper (Kaye Robinson) of Elkmont, AL, and Scott Pepper (Molly Jackson) of Lester, AL; daughters, Beth Spann (Chris) of Athens, AL, and Emily Fain of Athens, AL; grandchildren, Lance Pepper (Trish), Brandon Pepper (Kerrie), Bethany Barnett (Ezra), Brady Spann (Chelsea), Luke Spann, Claire Pepper, Graham Pepper (Stephanie); great-grandchildren, Noah Barnett, Madison Pepper, Sarabeth Barnett, Chance Pepper (Ashleigh), Brynlee Pepper, Lakely Pepper, Georgia Spann, Penny Spann, Bronwen Lightner, Jedidiah Lightner; and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Pepper was a lifelong member of Limestone County. He was a member of the Bethel Church of Christ for the past 87 years of his life. Mr. Hugh took great pride in saying he was the oldest member of the congregation. He leaves behind his legacy of that strong Christian faith to his family whom he loved so much. He took great pride in maintaining a meticulously groomed yard and beautiful garden. Early in his adult life, he owned a country store in the French’s Mill Community, before moving to his farm in Elkmont. He loved farming. He raised row crops, feeder pigs, and cattle. He was one of the first farmers in northern Limestone County to own a one-row cotton picker, as well as a self-propelled combine. After selling his farm and moving back to the French’s Mill community, he worked alongside his sons at Pepper Orchard in Athens until he retired. Faith, family, and farming are three words that reflect his long life upon this earth. Mr. Pepper was a simple, content, slow, and steady gentleman that worked hard.
The funeral service will be Saturday, April 12th, 2025, at Bethel Church of Christ, at 12:00 p.m. with Scott Pepper, Jimmy Clark, and Graham Pepper officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, from 10:00 to 11:45 p.m., Hugh Graham Pepper at Bethel. Pallbearers will be Lance Pepper, Brandon Pepper, Chance Pepper, Luke Spann, Brady Spann, Graham Pepper, Noah Barnett, and Quentin Smith. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of North Alabama or Ghana Mission fund for Steve and Kandie Taylor.
A special thank you to Renae, LeQuita, and Julia with Hospice of North Alabama for your care and support during this time.
