Hough, Everette

Everette Wayne “Skipper” (Water Dog) Hough of North Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away on April 21, 2011. Son of Everette J. “Bill” Hough and the late Louise Brooks Hough, Skipper was born April 25, 1948 in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina. He graduated Mt. Pleasant schools and attended the University of South Carolina School of Journalism. From 1963-1967, Skipper was a Grand Strand lifeguard and is credited with 34 saves, thereby earning the nickname “Water Dog.” In addition, he ran the “Pad” and worked for Cecil and Charlie Corbett at the Beach Club and Beach Club Bookings. Skipper was a Veteran having served with the 173d Airborne Brigade, 4th of the 503d Airborne Infantry, from 1968-1969. He was recommended for the Silver Star and was presented with Three Bronze Stars, The Combat Infantry Badge, the Air Medal, the Blood Wings/Patch, the South Vietnamese Legion of Honor Award, the Army Commendation Medal and served as an advisor to the Republic of Korea Marines. He fought in three major battles including the TET Offensive, participated in 50-plus fire fights against enemy troops and made numerous voluntary “rigger” parachute (day and night) jumps and was twice wounded. After his military service, Skipper went to Manhattan where he was road manager for many legendary musical greats and toured all the English acts coming to America. He and his wife, Mikey, owners of Water Dog Promotions, have produced festivals and events around the world but his heart was in North Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, producing Mayfest on Main, this year being the 6th year, and various other events. Skipper was an Honorary Member of the Omar Shrine of Mt Pleasant, SC and has assisted in raising thousands of dollars for the Shriner‘s Burned and Crippled Children‘s Hospital and the Omar Temple. He belonged to the Kentucky Colonels, was a member of the SC R&B/Beach Music Hall of Fame, inducted by Governor Jim Hodges, and received a Music Appreciation Award from the Carolina Beach Music Association in 2003. In 2007 he was presented the Palmetto Patriot Award from Lt. Governor Andre Bauer for his service to his country, his civic service and using his abilities in promoting tourism and bringing an economic impact to the Grand Strand. Skipper was instrumental in establishing the Shop With A Cop/Kids Without a Christmas program and through golf tournaments and raffles raised and donated many thousands of dollars for the benefit of disadvantaged children who would otherwise not enjoy a Christmas. He is survived by his father of Kannapolis, NC, his wife, Laura McInnis (Mikey) Hough of North Myrtle Beach; a daughter, Christy D‘Hondt (Eddie) of Lake Norman, NC; a step-daughter, Laurie Ward Payne (Richard) of Myrtle Beach; a step-son, Jay Ward of Raleigh, NC; a grandson, Ramsey Marra; a step-granddaughter, Madison Payne; a step-grandson John McInnis III; a sister, Robin Hatley (Glenn) of Kannapolis, NC and a niece, Heather Hatley and was pre-deceased by a brother, Rodney Blake Hough. Memorials may be made to Shop With A Cop/Kids Without a Christmas C/O Mike Mahaney, City of North Myrtle Beach, 1016 2 Ave S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582-3100. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Lee Funeral Home and Crematory in Little River, SC from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. Condolences may be sent to the family at lpcleaning@aol.com. Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.