James H. "Tate" Hughes III

James Hal “Tate” Hughes, III, age 36, a son, brother, cousin, friend- has gone home to be with the Lord who he loved dearly. Tate was a Christian, he was an adored son who in is mother and fathers eyes (for better or worse, could do no wrong), Tate was a mentor/drill Sargent to his younger cousins and a student / victim of his older cousins. Tate was a big brother. Tate loved everyone, he was kind, never judgmental, even if someone wronged him he saw the good in them and could explain away their behavior. Tate was loved so very deeply and will be missed and never forgotten.

Tate was born in 1981 and was an only child for 11 years. When his little brother Joey came along he was not quite sure what to do about this little guy, and what his part should be in the little guys life. He took on the big brother roll very quickly, teasing, tormenting, getting angry with, protecting and absolutely loving and adoring his younger brother. He was extremely proud of Joey and loved him unconditionally.

Tate always had many friends growing up because of his wonderful carefree disposition, and a common love for sports, music and life in general. Tate never took life too seriously but rather always wanted to enjoy life and experience new things.

Tate also had a very close relationship with his grandparents and aunts and uncles all of whom played a part in developing this beautiful human being that we called Tate, Tater , Taterbug and by his grandfather, Bronc.

Tate loved sports and played soccer and football all through school. He continued to play soccer in his early college years and received awards and accolades for his efforts. Tate also loved fishing and hunting, he spent many, many days with his friends fishing and seeking new places to fish. His mother remembers the time the Jackson Airport police called to have her come pick up her son who had been caught fishing on Airport property, his explanation to his mom was he had heard there was a giant bass at the site and he was going to catch it. Tate also loved music and spent many happy hours following his favorite bands to concerts across the country in his early and mid 20’s. He loved all music but especially the folk type music of the Grateful Dead.

Tate was born and raised in Mississippi and lived there until 2014. In 2014 he moved to Dayton, Ohio to be with his family. He loved the beautiful landscape and seasons of Dayton but seemed troubled and unsettled. He had also lost his father and grandmother during this time and that was probably part of his struggle. Tate spent a year in Columbus, Ohio at a men’s ministry trying to find his way and mentor others that were lost, both in the ministry and surrounding community of Columbus. Tate would be the first to confess his belief in the Lord and the power and mercy He gave us all; he often said Jesus did not come to earth to save the healthy but rather the sick and the sinners of the world. Tate always showed an optimistic, positive attitude. Never complaining, trying to move forward but he was just not Tate. I believe our gracious, heavenly father saw this and reached down to take him home where he would no longer have this unsettled anxious feeling, home to where there are no more fears or imposing obstacles to conquer.

Philippians 1:21-23 says: For me to live is Christ and to die is GAIN. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Which I shall choose? I cannot tell, I am hard-pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, March 24, 2018, in Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Pearl, Mississippi. Chaplain Bill Ratcliffe will officiate.

Tate is survived by his mother and step-father, Andrea Donaldson Hughes Rey and Eric Rey; brother , Joey Hughes; 3 aunts; 3 uncles; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Hal Hughes, II.

Tate’s passing is sudden, unexpected and painful for us but not for our Lord, who has His wonderful plans for him. Tate would never want tears shed for him, he would certainly say not to mourn his passing but celebrate his life and remember the good times we spent with him and how he made us so happy and to know that he is in heaven spending time with, and making others happy in the presence of our Lord and Savior.

John 14:2-4 says: My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place I am going.