Phillip Arnold Hughes

Born August 27, 1936 in Pittsburgh, PA to Parker Hughes and Doris Lewis (Hughes), Phillip was the second born of six children. He grew up in "The Hill" District of the city and attended Schenley High School where he earned his diploma. In 1955, Phillip joined the US Navy where he served for four years before being honorably discharged. He would share vivid stories about his days on the USS Arcadia and his experiences as a Navy Officer.

After the Navy, Phillip returned to Pittsburgh and later met Estelle, who he then followed to Washington, DC and married on June 26, 1964. From that marriage came three children:

Phillip Jr., Angela and Matthew and four grandchildren: Devin, Kayla, Tyson and Miles. Phil and Estelle raised their children together and he wholeheartedly supported his wife's endeavors, including opening a daycare in DC of 24 years named Hughes Child Development Center.

Phillip made his career as a diesel mechanic for four decades and worked on trucks for many years for Joyce Bottling Company, a regional 7-Up and soft drink franchise. He was a hardworking man and in his later years worked for Penske in the same manner, before retiring in the early 1990s.

Phil found great joy in sportsmanship. He was an avid golfer, from the 1970's to the early 2000's, who never met a par-3 he didn't think he could ace. He spent decades on the golf course at Hains Point, enjoying the sport and hanging out with his golfing buddies. Additionally, he was a league bowler known for a smooth left-handed release and bowled for numerous years at the Kentland bowling alley. At home, Phil was extremely handy and could fix mostly anything in his house. From painting, installing flooring, paneling and wallpaper, to cementing a swing-set in the ground and laying a basketball court, brick by brick, in the backyard for his kids.

He took great pride in his yard as well, by planting many beautiful flower beds and bushes and even vegetable gardens over the years. These things meant a lot to him.

Phillip knew Jesus, and in 1984 accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized at Tabernacle Baptist Church, the same church he was married in 20 years prior. At Tabernacle, Phil was a member of the church van ministry where he'd pick up senior citizen church members throughout DC, take them to church service and return them home afterward. He enjoyed serving in this capacity and did a great job at it.

Phillip had the art of being direct. You never had to guess what he was thinking and his delivery was steadfast. However he was an excellent and traditional provider, who took good care of his family and those he loved. Even at the age of almost 90, Phil was still in his right mind and had an enjoyable lifestyle he shared with his companion Darnice, as they would dine and take trips to the beach and casinos.

Phil was especially proud of his grandchildren and all their accomplishments, Devin as a TV Producer in Los Angeles and his "Dr. Kay" for recently graduating medical school. He would tell his daughter, "l brag about them every chance I get." He would also look forward to yearly visits from his son Matthew and grandson Miles, delighting in watching him run around in the backyard.

Phillip believed in showing up, doing his part and taking care of business. He will truly be missed and lovely remembered by his family, loved ones, neighbors, his children, and his grandchildren who loved their "Pop-Pop" immensely, as he was a steady presence in their lives.

Phillip is survived by his children: Angela Hughes and Matthew Hughes; his grandchildren, Devin Hughes, Kayla McDonald, Tyson Hughes and Miles Hughes; his daughter-in-law Kendra Hughes, his sister Janice Harvey and brother Jerry Harvey, his brother-in-laws Matthew Ledbetter and John Ledbetter, his niece Simone Powell, his dear lady-friend Darnice Bell and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents: Parker Hughes and Doris Lewis, his wife Estelle Hughes, his son Phillip Jr., sisters Terley J. Brown and Priscilla Thorpe, and brother Leon Hughes.