Bobby Harold Hughes

Dr. Bobby Harold Hughes, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away at the age of 94, on November 26, 2025, in Baytown, Texas with his beloved wife, Joan, by his side.

He was a gifted man who leaves behind a rich legacy of love, deep enduring relationships, and a profound impact on all who knew and loved him. His family and friends rejoice in his long and remarkable life of integrity, service to others, and in the knowledge that he is now at home with his Lord and Savior.

Dr. Hughes was born on May 7, 1931, in Baileyton, Tennessee to Aubrey Keldon Hughes and Eula Lee McKay Hughes. He was the first-born child and grandchild in the family and the beneficiary of a tremendous outpouring of love, adoration, and attention from his grandparents and aunt. His family provided Bobby with the priceless gifts of love, strong values, a deep faith in God, commitment to family, dedication to community, and love of country. He experienced an idyllic childhood and learned the values of hard work and responsibility from a young age. Bobby grew up attending the Baileyton Methodist Church where his grandparents were founding members. He was always his father’s shadow helping with chores, exhibiting a strong curiosity for learning how things worked, and emulating the greatness he saw in his father daily. Recreation was in the great outdoors hunting, fishing, playing by the creek and running free with his siblings and friends.

Bobby graduated from Baileyton High School in 1949. He served as Senior Class President which was a testament to his leadership skills and respect of his classmates. He was a member of the varsity basketball team and was the recipient of the Sportsmanship Trophy. If there was a job to do, Bobby was always the first to show up. He was voted Mr. Baileyton High School and Most Dependable.

Bobby attended East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee for the pre-dental program. He then entered the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis, Tennessee where he was a member of the International Dental Fraternity, Delta Sigma Delta. Bobby received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 1954.

Upon graduation, Bobby served two years in the United States Air Force at Kirkland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. New Mexico. He was honorably discharged in 1956 with the rank of Captain and served four additional years in the reserves. He was very proud to have served his country, and his patriotism ran deep throughout his life.

After several years of private practice, Bobby entered the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program. He completed his internship and residency in Oral Surgery and Anesthesiology at John Gaston Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee in 1960. Bobby began his Oral Surgery career in practice with Dr. Edwin Smith in Kingsport, Tennessee. He was active in the Tennessee First District Dental Society and served as its President in 1967.

During this period, Bobby met Joan Gail Murray. They were married on December 24, 1969, in Juarez, Mexico and embarked on a life-long adventure together. They had an unbreakable bond that endured and strengthened them both. Their closeness was evident in every aspect of their lives as they lifted each other up and shared successes. They were each other’s best friends and cheerleaders.

Bobby and Joan shared many unforgettable experiences as they traveled the world together. Their journeys allowed them to immerse themselves in the richness of diverse cultures across the globe. Among their many adventures, they rode camels through the landscapes of Morocco, explored the picturesque Loire Valley in France on a bicycle tour, and participated in a cooking class in Florence, Italy. They also visited China and several other countries, each offering unique memories and moments of discovery. Despite all the wonderful places they visited, Paris remained their favorite destination, holding a special place in their hearts.

They also shared a love of dancing, tennis, sailing, cooking and the gift of hospitality and entertainment. Their mutual devotion to each other was a lasting blessing.

In 1970, Bobby and Joan moved to the great state of Texas. An encounter with Dr. George Platt of Baytown, Texas who influenced Bobby and Joan to move to Baytown where he became the first Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. George became their close and treasured friend. In 1972, the friendship expanded to include another new local dentist, Dr. James Moore, and the three became so close that they eventually dubbed themselves The Three Amigos. The close and enduring relationship they have shared has been a true blessing that has been nurtured and treasured over these many years.

Bobby’s Baytown oral surgery practice flourished thanks to many talented and loyal team members who worked with him for many years. He was always fully committed to the highest professional standards and fully engaged in many professional organizations. He was a member of the Houston Society of Oral Surgeons and served as its President in 1982. He was also a member of the Texas society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Lifetime member of the Southeastern Society of Oral Surgeons, The Texas Society of Anesthesiology, The American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, and The Society of Osseointegration. In 2009, Bobby was recognized by the Southeast Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery by receiving the 50-year achievement award.

Bobby’s commitment to service extended beyond his profession. By invitation from Dr. Donald Brunson and Dr. Louis Carter, Bobby became an engaged member of Rotary International, a worldwide organization dedicated to serving others, fostering integrity, and enhancing global understanding, goodwill, and peace by uniting business, professional, and community leaders in fellowship. In 1994, Bobby was honored to receive the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, which is the highest form of recognition a Rotary Club can bestow.

Bobby was a man with tremendous energy and drive. He was rarely idle and in his “spare time” he enjoyed buying and renovating rental real estate properties. He did much of the renovation work himself over the years. This further established Bobby’s and Joan’s deep roots in their beloved Baytown.

Bobby’s faith was indeed a cornerstone of his life and a source of his identity. He was a man who lived by his convictions and his faith was the compass that guided his actions throughout his life. He was a long-time member of Faith Presbyterian Church (formerly First Presbyterian Church of Baytown). He was honored to serve in leadership positions as a Deacon and as an Elder which allowed him to use his God-given gifts to support the church mission. He and Joan were very involved in the church’s activities and supported its ministries. In later years this church ministered to them in many meaningful ways that have been most appreciated.

While we mourn his passing, let us best remember Dr. Bobby Hughes with gratitude for having known him. He demonstrated a strong commitment to both his professional responsibilities and recreational activities. We will always remember his brilliant smile, his love of laughter, and many other expressions of joy he constantly shared with us. He was a man who rose from a humble and loving beginning to leave an indelible mark on this world. He demonstrated his love for God, family, community and country by his actions. He had a profound impact on his beloved Baytown, his family, friends and patients he cared for throughout his journey.

Bobby’s final chapter of life began in 2017 when he was diagnosed with Dementia consistent with Alzheimer’s. He and Joan accepted this challenge as they accepted all others “Together” and with the Lord’s help. Throughout this period they are extremely grateful to their wonderful neighbors Darla and Terry Burton and Mindy and Juan Garzoria. Also exhibiting unwavering support, were their friends of many decades – Rose Marie and James Moore, Carol and Reuben Garza, Janet and Jason Dick and David Kadjar. Also offering much support were Diana Beckham and Raphael Melendez. A special tribute is extended to Cynthia Fehring – a friend and employee of 45 years.

Further acknowledgement is extended to “The Hughes Team” – Rafaela and Danny Salinas, Maria (CoCo) and Edgar Lopez and Yani Dominquez and to Hilda Sotelo (retired).

The Hughes Family is especially grateful to Magnolia Hospice Service, Dr. Monte Orahood and Emily Stephenson R.N. A private interment will be held for family and friends.

Dr. Hughes was predeceased by his father, Aubrey K. Hughes; mother, Eula Lee Hughes; sons, Alan Hughes and David Hughes; brother, Jimmy K. Hughes; father-in-law, Malcolm Murray; and mother-in-law, Madeline Murray. He is survived by his adoring wife of 55 years, Joan Murray Hughes of Baytown, Texas; sisters, Shelby Hughes Carver of Johnson City, Tennessee and Dreama Hughes Gasaway (Reagan) of McKinney, Texas; sister-in-law, Rita Hughes of Kingsport, Tennessee; brother-in-law, Tom Murray (Deborah) of Kingsport, Tennessee; stepdaughter, Kelli Dilling (Dr. Michael) of Pearland, Texas; granddaughter, Christy Skerret (Mark) of Florida; grandsons, Austin Dilling (Dani) of Houston, Texas and Alex (Gracie) of Fort Worth, Texas; great granddaughter, Brooke of Florida; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his much loved dog Hector.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Faith Presbyterian Church, 3900 N. Main St., Baytown, Texas 77521, Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands, P.O. Box 251, Jonesborough, Tennessee 37659, or The Eddie Gray Wetlands Education and Recreation Center ,1724 Market St., Baytown, Texas 77520.