August 3, 2012

The Rev. James R. Hughes Sr., 86, passed away Aug. 3, 2012, in Suffolk.

Rev. Hughes was born Jan. 4, 1926, in Max Meadows, Va., to James and Dallie Hughes. The family later moved to Pulaski, Va., where his father owned a lumber mill.

Rev. Hughes resided in Pulaski until he joined the United States Navy in 1944. He served his tour as a gunner on the LST-48 Destroyer which allowed him to travel the world during World War II.

After his tour, he settled in Pennsylvania, working again in the lumber industry. Rev. Hughes met Hannah while living there, and they married Dec. 20, 1947. They moved in 1953 to Franklin, Va., where James worked for Union Camp for 18 years.

Rev. Hughes is survived by his wife, Hannah Hughes, of Suffolk; two sons, James R. Hughes Jr. (wife Joyce), of Midlothian, Va., Dennis L. Hughes (wife Libby), of Windsor, Va.; daughter, Sharlene Day (husband Don), of Indianapolis, Ind.; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012, at 2 p.m. in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., Suffolk, by his sons. Rev. Hughes will be laid to rest following the service at South Hampton Memorial Park Cemetery in Franklin, Va. The family will receive friends in the funeral home on Monday, Aug. 6 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

A memorial fund has been established in lieu of flowers. Please make memorial checks to: “Rev. James R. Hughes Sr. Memorial Fund,” and mail to: Sun Trust Bank, 123 N. Main Street, Suffolk, VA 23434 Attn: Gail Williams. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.