Obituaries
Dr. Kenneth Richard Foutz, M.Div. ’64, aged 86, of Central, husband to the late Alice West Foutz, passed away April 21, 2022 at his daughter’s home. Born in Vinton, VA, he was the son of the late Alva and Mary Bowles Foutz. Ken received his BA from Southern Wesleyan University, M. Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary, MA from Presbyterian School of Christian Education, and D. Min. from Emory University.
Dr. Foutz was a professor at Southern Wesleyan University for twenty-eight years, where he was named Faculty Emeritus in 1999 and served as a Chaplain with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office for twenty-one years. One of his greatest enjoyments was spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Foutz Gantt and husband Michael of Central; grandchildren, Jonathan Gantt (Ashlyn), Leandra Hooper (Chris), Maria King (Dobson), and Ayden Gantt; great-grandchildren, Case Gantt and Emersyn Hooper; brother, Fred Foutz (Jeanette). Dr. Foutz was predeceased by his wife, parents, brother, Ronald Foutz, and sisters, Shirley Smith and Joyce Cooper.
Hugh Hannah, M.Div. ’80, aged 68, of Cleveland, passed away peacefully at his home Sunday, May 1, 2022. He was born and raised on the Hannah Family Farm in Bradley County, attended Bradley County school and graduated from Bethel College and Asbury Seminary, with a masters of divinity. Hugh was a “jack-of-all-trades.” He pastored in Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas and Louisiana. He wasn’t just a pastor, though; Hugh could make anything. He made soap and harnesses for his mules, “Fred and Clifford.” Hugh really enjoyed the outdoors.
He was preceded in death by parents, William and Chassie Hannah; and grandson, Gabriel Stewart.
Survivors to cherish his memory are his wife of 41 years and Hugh’s caregiver for the last 20 years as he battled M.S., Pamela Stinson Hannah, of Cleveland; son, Lucas Hannah, of Cleveland; daughter and son-in-law, Rachael (Mike) Stewart, of Quitman, La.; grandchildren, Abigail and Lily Stewart; sister, Janice (Gary) Parker, of Cleveland; aunt, Amy Dean Pinckard; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Rev. Dr. Isaac Oyebamiji, D.Min. ’10, aged 64, died after a brief illness in the U.S. He held a doctorate degree in Ministry, with emphasis on ”Leadership and Preaching” from the Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky, U.S. He is survived by his wife, five children and many other relatives.
At his funeral, Bishop David Oyedepo described the deceased as a ”true man of God”, called on other ministers of the gospel to emulate the lifestyle he had lived. He advised family members of the deceased to hold on to the beautiful legacies he left behind for the greater good of the society.
Speaking, the wife of deceased, Pastor Olutoyin Oyebamiji, described her late husband as “honest and one who fears God.” She said that she was happy that it was the Lord who took him to Himself, hence she strongly believed he was resting and in a better place. She thanked all church leaders and those who stood by her and the family in their moment of grief and asked God to bless them all.
Hugh Hannah started at the same time as I did. He was part of the camp ground crew. He was truly one of those people who is earnest in their calling. It came through loud and clear in his approach towards his studies. Hugh was a fellow whom I could always call a good friend. But more importantly you wanted to be around him because of his genuine faith which he practiced