G. Edward Hughes

Ed was born on December 9, 1949 in Charleston, West Virginia to Josephine and Ellis Hughes. His family moved to Charleston, South Carolina when Ed was young. He graduated from Porter Gaud High School in Charleston, S.C. in 1968. After high school Ed attended the University of South Carolina, graduating with a B.S Degree in Finance, in 1971.

Ed met the love of his life, Lynda McElmurray 56 years ago. They married on June 5, 1971 and enjoyed 53 years of marriage, walking through life together. Ed and Lynda were blessed with a son, David Parker Hughes, dearly loved by his parents. Both parents were involved in David’s growing years, a highlight being Ed coaching several of David’s baseball teams.

A very successful career in the insurance industry followed Ed’s college graduation. Beginning his career in 1971 as an Agent for Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, Ed rose through the ranks enjoying career growth to such positions as Brokerage Supervisor, Regional Sales Director, Sales Vice President and General Manager, Vice President, Vice President Ordinary Marketing, Agency Vice President, and Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Loved everywhere for his kind, caring, and jovial personality; Ed was cherished by the employees at Canada Life during his 15 year tenure. Employees at Canada Life considered Ed a kind and effective leader, a sincere and caring person, and someone they could trust and believe in. He lived the Golden Rule every day.

Some of Ed’s greatest career accomplishments include building and directing individual life sales organizations and creating sales growth to over 50% per year, revamping sales strategies, developing valuable sales relationships with independent brokerage channels, and direction of the corporate marketing functions, product development initiatives and sales support.

Charitable organizations were very important to Ed. He was a very loyal supporter of the Tunnel to Towers program, providing help for our Veterans. He was named to the 2015 Industry Veterans supporters; fostering scholarships and support for industry education and leading edge research. Ed served on the Board of Trustees and Board Chair (3 years) for the Maryland Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Continued interest in developing his career, Ed had numerous professional affiliations including: National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (1974 – 2024), Society of Financial Service Professionals (1978-2024), Association for Advanced Life Underwriting (1992- 2024), and LIMRA International Board of Directors (2000-2003). Ed completed the LIMRA International Leadership Program sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business in 2005.

Ed is survived by his wife, Lynda McElmurray Hughes of Marietta, one son, David Parker Hughes of Atlanta, granddaughter, Day Kathleen Hughes, grandson Evans Parker Hughes, sisters Kay Plein (Terry), Carol Fizer, Mae Gregory, brother John Lusher (Nancy), sisters in law, Susan McElmurray Firetag (Gerald) and Jerri McElmurray Richard , nieces Laura Firetag, Heidi Firetag, and Rachel Richard; nephews Aaron Firetag, Parker Richard, and Noah Richard. Also surviving Ed is his best buddy and constant beloved companion, Mac the Boxer. Mac is going to miss Ed deeply.

A service is planned for Wednesday, November 13th, 2024 at the H.M. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, Arlington Chapel. The address is 173 Allen Rd NE, Sandy Springs, Ga. 30320. Visitation will be from 1-2 in the chapel with the funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. Flowers will be accepted by the family or in lieu of flowers donations to Tunnel to Towers (https://t2t.org/donate/) or the Multiple Sclerosis Society (https://engage.mymsaa.org/give/).