Charles Kelsie Hughes Jr.

Mr. Charles Kelsie Hughes, Jr., 86, died on July 20, 2013. He was born in Altavista, VA, the oldest son of Charles Kelsie Hughes, Sr. and Jennie Owen Hughes. Formerly of Lynchburg, VA, Kelsie spent the last seven years in the Harrisonburg, VA area. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Bruce W. Hughes and H. Patrick Hughes.

Kelsie was a WW II Naval Veteran and graduated from VPI, (now VA Tech). He taught school, designed at Bell Laboratories and spent most of his career as a Public Relations Manager of C & P Telephone Company. He received many awards during his working years, such as “Boss of the Year” in 1977 by the Stewart & Stevens Chapter and “Business Associate of the Year” in 1983-1984.

Kelsie was a dedicated volunteer in many charities, such as the Campaign Chairman of the United Way. He was very active in church, taking care of the rose gardens at First Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, as well as a bass singer in their choir for many years. More recently, Kelsie volunteered his time as a greeter at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg.

He was passionate about gardening, fishing, and hunting. He could build anything and was a jack of all trades. He enjoyed lunching with his friends and telling good jokes.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years, Martha R. Hughes (Jay), as well as his youngest brother, E. Garrett Hughes of Ringgold, VA; four daughters, Ellie H. Ball & husband, Dave of Lynchburg, VA, Martha H. Carpenter of Harrisonburg, VA, Jennie H. Warner and husband Mark of Elkton, VA and Carole J. Hughes of Roanoke, VA. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Bill, Jane and Davey Ball, Toby, Harris and Kelsie Carpenter, and Sarah and Katie Warner, as well as five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 25th, 2013 at 10:30 AM at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church in Harrisonburg, VA.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Sentara Hospice, c/o Rockingham Memorial Hospital, 2010 Health Campus Dr., Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

Lindsey Funeral Home & Crematory in Harrisonburg, VA is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com