St. Mary's mourns the passing of longtime Board member.

All of us within St. Mary’s were saddened to learn of the passing of Hank Huckaby. In addition to his incredible service to the State of Georgia, Hank was an invaluable member of the St. Mary’s ministry, serving in a volunteer capacity on our System Board from 2003-2008 and also on our Foundation Board for many years. He served on our System board during a period of unprecedented growth for our system – including the construction and opening of our 2005 hospital expansion, the opening of our Hospice House, and the founding of our Internal Medicine Residency Program in conjunction with the Augusta College/University of Georgia Medical Partnership.

During many of the years Hank volunteered his time and talents with St. Mary’s, Tom Fitz served as our system’s President and CEO, working closely with Hank to make exceptional things happen for St. Mary’s and our community. Tom shared this remembrance of Hank:

“Most people strive all their lives to make a positive difference in this world. Our long-time friend and colleague, Hank Huckaby, succeeded — many times over. His life was exemplified by service to others, even at the expense of self oftentimes. He loved Georgia and the people of Georgia. By now, most of you have read about his service to the people of this great state. But one area of service is especially relevant: service to his Lord.

“Hank first loved the Lord, and he showed this through his tireless work at First United Methodist Church in Athens. He also showed his love of God and all God’s people through his work at St. Mary’s. Hank was former chair of the Board of St. Mary’s Health Care System and was the immediate past Chairman of the St. Mary’s Foundation Board. His generous, timely and insightful counsel to the senior leadership of St. Mary’s over the years helped make St. Mary’s the successful health care organization it is today. For this, we are all grateful.

“We miss Hank. We grieve with his family and many friends. But most importantly, we celebrate because we know he is with his Lord today. Thank you, Hank.”

Funeral arrangements have not been announced yet. For more information visit Legacy.com.

Mark Ralston