Colleagues remember Hux as strong, but quiet, leader

Hux, 78, died Thursday.

Hux had been a commissioner since December of 2004, board Chair Vernon Bryant said. “She was quiet, humble, hardworking and a very dedicated, very good county commissioner. She was a friend and confidante, a true public servant.”
Bryant said Hux was a lady who “had a great love for her God, her family and friends and Ms. Hux loved serving as county commissioner. She was always concerned about the county.”
Bryant described her quiet demeanor. “By her quiet demeanor, people misjudged her,” he said. “She was very engaged and knowledgeable. She knew all sides of an issue, she was able to look at an issue from all angles.”
Bryant said he learned of Hux’s death Thursday. “It was the darkest moment since I’ve been a county commissioner. When I learned about her passing I called other county commissioners and their feelings were exactly the same. Others commented on what a nice lady she was. Rachel was a good Christian lady who always had the warmest smile. With Rachel’s passing there’s a void in Roanoke Rapids and Halifax County. She will sorely be missed in a lot of ways. She was always a good steward for our taxpayers. She was always a team player. Whether she agreed or disagreed, Rachel Hux understood democracy and respected the decision of the majority. Rachel is going to be missed a lot.”
Commissioner Patrick Qualls said he was saddened and sorrowful at the news of his fellow commissioner’s passing. “My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. She was a wonderful woman and a fabulous commissioner and will be missed by all who knew and worked with her.”
Qualls said Hux came to meetings well versed on the issues the board was to discuss. “She was intimately prepared and when she spoke up you better listen.”
Commissioner Rives Manning knew Hux for more than 50 years. “She’s always been a fine, upstanding lady, quiet, reserved, but firm in her beliefs and convictions. After she decided to run for county commissioner, I strongly supported her and I felt she supported me because we were working for the best things for the county.”
Manning also remarked on her quiet demeanor. “She would listen to other points of view. She was a whole lot stronger in her convictions and standing up for them than her quietness would lead one to believe. She is leaving some big shoes to fill.”
State Representative Michael Wray described Hux “as just a good pillar for our community and well thought of person. I’m going to miss her lovely face. She always had a kind word. She was quiet but very involved in the community, involved with Halifax Community College, Halifax Tourism. Most of all she loved her family. She always had an open ear and listened.”
Halifax County Manager Tony Brown said, “I’m very sorry to hear the news of Commissioner Hux’s passing. She’s always been a very engaged and committed commissioner to the improvement of our community. She was a strong but quiet leader and she definitely did the right thing by the community.”