Reuben (Jake) Carnes Hull, age 86, died peacefully on July 21, 2009, surrounded by his loving wife and children. A native of Acworth, Mr. Hull attended Acworth High School, and after three years of military service as a radar instructor enrolled at Georgia Tech, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. It was during that time that he met the love of his wife, Melba Lois Shelnutt, whom he was married to and scarcely ever separated from for 59 beautiful years. Mr. Hull was the perfect father—always loving, patient, and supportive—to his three children, Sandra Hull Sundstrom, Frederick Lee Hull, and Melinda Hull Miller, all of the Atlanta area. He was also the ever-loving, ever-playful grandfather to his six grandchildren, Brian, Greg, Katie, Molly, Alyson, and Ruby. They, like his wife, children, and everyone who knew him, will remember him as seeming awfully young for a grandfather. Mr. Hull was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Bessie Hull, and by his sister, Mary Lynne Cook, and his brother, Fred. Mr. Hull worked for the Honeywell International, Evans Engineering, and, for over 20 years, the Western Electric Company. He was a longstanding and active member of Clairmont Presbyterian Church from its earliest days. An avid ham radio operator, Mr. Hull befriended people all over the world in the days before the Internet. Ever fond of new gadgets and gizmos, he was surely one of the oldest early owners of an iPod, on which he listened intently to his wide collection of jazz recordings. His particular fondness for Big Band music was evident to all in his spry and talented jitterbug dancing with his wife, from their earliest dates up through the last year of his life. Mr. Hull will be remembered by his family and his many friends for his kind, witty, and unflagging good humor and for his absolute inability to think anything less than the best of every person he met. The only criticism that could be laid against him is that he made it too hard for anyone else to be as good a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew im. Visitation will be held at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home, Decatur, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Following a private gravesite service on Saturday morning, a memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Clairmont Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Clairmont Presbyterian Church, Music and Arts Program, 1994 Clairmont Road, Decatur 30033. A. S. Turner & Sons
