Hugh Carroll Sturgeon “Snook”, 82, of Owensboro, passed away on September 27, 2025, at his home with his loving family by his side. He was born on October 15, 1942, in Owensboro, to the late Charles Edward and Ethel (Galloway) Ray, and was raised there alongside his siblings, Charles “Sonny,” Betty, and Mike. Sonny, who was famous for the nickname, dubbed his little brother “Snook”, because he said he was behaving like the comic strip Snook.
Snook first married his high school sweetheart, Charlotte (Reid), and together raised their two children, Hugh Scott “Scooter” and Robin Reid “Reno”. In 1997, he married his beloved wife, Pat (North), with whom he shared nearly three decades of love and partnership. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, great-grandfather and friend. Hugh was a true patriarchal figure to the Sturgeon family. Snook began his college years at the University of Kentucky, where he played football, and later played for and graduated from Western Kentucky University. He proudly served in the Army National Guard before returning home to continue the Sturgeon family’s entrepreneurial legacy. After learning the business from his father at Sturgeon Pontiac, he went on to establish Sturgeon Insurance, which he led with success and integrity for decades. He was an active member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church and served as an elder for many years, guiding others with the same steady devotion he gave to his family and community. He found his greatest joy in time spent with his family, but he also loved golfing, riding his Harley motorcycle, the lake, and taking cross-country road trips with friends and loved ones. He especially enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always delighting in their presence. Snook was well known and well liked throughout the community, remembered as a kind, generous, and steady man. He will be cherished for his faith in Christ, his unwavering devotion to family and friends, his stoic yet gentle demeanor, and his adventurous spirit. His legacy of love, kindness, and integrity will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew him. While his family will miss him dearly, they find deep comfort in knowing that in death Hugh is fully restored in Christ.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Pat Sturgeon; children, Scott (Amy) Sturgeon and Robin Sturgeon (Scott Minor); grandsons, Alex (Katie) and Jacob (Bridgette); step grandsons, Andrew and Luke; great-grandchildren, Parker, Fletcher, Ruthie, Rosie, and James; as well as many other loving family and friends.
A memorial service to honor Hugh’s life will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m. at Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 910 Booth Avenue, Owensboro KY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Hugh’s honor.
Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.