Hugh Francis Baxley died peacefully on August 31, 2024, after an extended illness.  A native of Plaquemine, Louisiana, he was born August 10, 1933, on a houseboat on Bayou Plaquemine.  He graduated from Plaquemine High School and earned his degree in accounting from Louisiana State University. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1957, reaching the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. While in the Navy, he was based in Norfolk, VA, and served on the U.S.S. Eugene A. Greene, DDR-711.

Hugh married Gwendolyn Didier Baxley in 1957, celebrating 66 years of marriage last January. They made their home in Plaquemine, where he was active in church and community. As a member of Plaquemine First Baptist Church, he served for over 50 years in various capacities, including deacon, treasurer, and Sunday school teacher. He also chaired various committees, including the committee for the acquisition of the church property on Belleview Road, the building of the current church sanctuary, and the building of the fellowship hall. In the community, Hugh was a long-term member of both the Plaquemine Rotary Club (past president) and the Plaquemine Chamber of Commerce.

He started Hugh F. Baxley, CPA (now Baxley & Associates) in 1961, which he managed for 58 years before retiring at the age of 86. A lifelong learner who loved serving others through his profession, he earned various professional designations in addition to CPA, including Chartered Global Management Accountant, Certified Valuation Analyst, and Personal Finance Specialist.

Hugh was a gifted athlete who loved many sports, particularly tennis, table tennis, and bowling. He played on the LSU Varsity Tennis Team while at LSU, and he won awards on the local, state, and national levels in table tennis. He was a lifelong LSU Tiger fan, but more than that, he loved watching his children, and later his grandchildren, compete in various sports, including tennis, volleyball, basketball, cross country, and swimming. He also enjoyed flying small planes and was a private pilot.

When the COVID pandemic hit, he and Gwen relocated to Brevard, NC, to be closer to family. A temporary move turned into a permanent one due to health issues. He loved living in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina and being near his children and grandchildren.  He and Gwen became members of First United Methodist Church in Brevard.

Hugh is survived by his wife, Gwen, and their children: Francis Ghent, Janina (Dan) Rogers, and Megan (Stephen) Monk; and his grandchildren, who were the light of his life: Anne Megan Rogers, Ella Baxley Monk, and Sarah Gray Monk.  He is also survived by his in-laws, Joe and Shirley Didier and their children and grandchildren; his nephew, Steve Baxley; his niece, Debra Baxley; and Rachel Oncale Hebert and her family: Jennifer and Michael Fultz and daughter Flynn; Margot Hebert and daughter Piper; and Raegan Hebert.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Leo Baxley and Vera Gamble Baxley; his brother, Perry Leo Baxley; his sister and brother-in-law, Joyce Baxley Hebert and Warren J. Hebert; and his nephew, Dana Warren Hebert.

The family wishes to thank the many caregivers, including those with Comfortable Blessings LLC, Shirley's Angels, Tore's Home, and Care Partners Hospice, who helped care for Hugh during the last 15 months of his declining health.

A memorial service will be held in the Chapel of First United Methodist Church at 2:30 p.m. on September 8, 2024, conducted by Revs. Veranita Alford and Marcus Dodson. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Hugh's memory to either Brevard First United Methodist Church (325 N Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712) or Plaquemine First Baptist Church (24525 Ory Ave, Plaquemine, LA 70764).

Entombment will be at Grace Memorial Mausoleum in Plaquemine, La., at a later date.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.