William R. Hughes Sr.

He was born in a cabin at the Forks of the Hurricane, Pierce County, Georgia. He moved to Jacksonville, Florida as a small boy. In 1950, he joined the Army and served in the Korean War until 1952. In November 1952 he married Joanne Long. They resided in Jacksonville, Florida where they raised their family, but we knew his heart was always in Georgia! His career life was working in O&R at NAS Jax and he also ran an Atlantic Service Station. In 1969, he took a position as a US Navy Crash Firefighter. He had many hats throughout his life and he provided well for his family. For many people he called them friends.

He was a Freemason and a member of the VFW.

William was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne Long Hughes; his son, William R. Hughes, Jr. (Billy); his mother, Pearl L.; his father Milo (Pappy) Hughes; and his brother Edwin C. Hughes(Mary). He is survived by his sister, Betty Beasley; his daughters Debi (John) Montean, Pam Tankersley, and Peggy Steadman; his grandchildren Devon Parker(John), Chad (Cynthia) and Morgan Joanne Hughes Montean, Matthew Dietz, Zachary and Ethan Tankersley, Ryan(Chrissy) and Megan Steadman; and his great grandchildren Teagan Groff, Mallory, Madalyn and Mateyah Parker, Savannah Montean, Brayden and Makenzie Dietz, Rylee and Brennan Hampton and Alani Steadman; as well as his many extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking expressions of sympathy be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation.

The family will gather privately for funeral services. Please express words of comfort and condolences at hgriversidefuneralhome.com