Hugh Marvin McCastlain

Hugh Marvin McCastlain, 74, who was affectionately known to family and friends as "Tuffy", passed away on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017 in Houston, Texas. He was the son of the late Hugh M. "Ted" McCastlain, Brinkley, Ark. and the late Doris McCastlain Hinkle of Little Rock, Ark. Hugh, graduated from Brinkley High School where he played in the high school band and in his own band with friends and also lettered in football. He was a member of the Methodist church. He is survived by his children; Kelly Ann McCastlain of Memphis, Tenn., Joseph Edward "Ted" McCastlain, of Tampa, Fla., (Debbie), Holly Louise McCastlain of Arlington, Va. and his 10 year old granddaughter, Abigail Sierra McCastlain of Memphis, Tenn. "Abi", who lovingly called her granddad, "Gruffy." His sisters, Mary Lynn Nelson, of Little Rock, Ark., (Sheffield), Julia Ann Stoner of Sugar Land, Texas, (Terry) andLaura McCastlain Sholes, of Little Rock, Ark. (Keith). He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and their spouses, and a step-brother and two step-sisters. Hugh graduated from Hendrix College, Conway, Ark. in 1965 with a BA in Physics. At Hendrix, Hugh participated in intramural sports, including swimming. Following graduation, Hugh attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, obtaining a BS degree in Chemical Engineering in 1968. He also did post-graduate work in finance and management. Hugh had a personal consulting business before joining Arkla Gas Company in 1973. There he held managerial positions in several departments before he was appointed, in 1984, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for ARKLA, and remained as executive vice president of Arkla, Inc. Hugh is a former president of Downtown Shreveport Unlimited and was a member of the Shreveport Economic Development Foundation, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American Institute for Industrial Engineers and the Southern Gas Association. After retirement, Hugh moved to Texas, where he was involved with the Institute of Robotics. Tuffy was passionate for life and learning. He loved sailing, and competing in various triathlons. He was a collector of guns, practiced throwing knives, played the bass guitar, built computers and was a fabulous dancer. Tuffy always loved his special cats he had through the years; they brought him great joy. He was a wonderful father to his children and so proud of the careers they have, and dearly loved his granddaughter, Abi. He had some crazy and fun times hunting and fishing with Gene Smith and Cliff Lawley in Texas. His children and sisters will forever be grateful to Gene Smith, who was like a brother, for the care and compassion he gave to Hugh. Tuffy was an unforgettable individual and his sense of humor and wit will always remain as great memories. There will be a celebration honoring Hugh's life in Florida in February on Key Biscayne Bay, which was a favorite sailing spot. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to , may make a donation to the Little Rock Humane Society, 14600 Colonel Glenn Rd. Little Rock, Ark. 72210, or Houston Humane Society,14700 Almeda Rd. Houston, Texas 77053 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place., Memphis, Tenn. 38105. Family and friends please feel free to send condolences to: http://distinctivelife.com/obituaries/hugh-marvin-mccastlain/.