Nancy, it’s Carol Bittner Purcella sister from time to time I’ve looked for you and Bill and have been unable to find you. We have no idea where you all moved to and by accident today. I found Bill‘s obit. I am very sorry to hear of your loss, I would love to hear from you and how you’re doing. I’ll send you my email. Nicawapa@aol.com Please write me when you can I do hope you actually get this note I’m not sure where you live or what your phone number is so I have no way of contacting you. Hope you’re well. Carol and Pat.

Although I never personally met Bill, I feel like I know him through knowing his children. Chris and Tammy, you have been given a great legacy from a man that obviously loved you and invested his life in yours. Although the pain of loss may never be gone, the opportunity to invest in others as your dad did lives on! Chris, as part of your adidas family, I am excited to work through this with you and help you heal. You are an important part of the team and I know your dad was proud of you!

The love between us is a spiritual bond that death cannot sever.  What is most precious to us is not always what we can see or touch or be near.

Uncle Bill was such a great man.  I loved the fact that he was so laid back, funny and easy to talk to.  I have many found memories of the last number of times I saw him.  We would sit on the porch at Aunt Kathy's house, drink coffee and just have random conversations about anything that came to mind.  He had so many great stories. As a kid, he bought me my first Walkman(yes a casette tape player for christmas) which i loved, encouraged me to try different foods as a kid since I was such a picky eater.  Lastly, I remember him trying to scare me with a freshly caught rattlesnake rattler.  It worked! Jumped out of my skin.  He will most certainly will be missed.

When I came to the end of the day,
And the sun had set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low,
Remember the love we once shared,
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take,
And each must go alone,
It's all part of the maker's plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart,
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, 
Miss me, but let me go.

My Dad was a caring and sensitive man.
He would do anything, for anyone.
He was kind and gentle, loving and compassionate.  
He adored my mother and often referred to her as his angel.
Today, he is her angel, and I am certain that he will be watching over her as he will each of us.
I was indeed blessed to have him as a father.
I am going to miss hearing his voice and the way he always answered the telephone,
I am going to miss sitting with him in his room, even in silence I felt so much warmth & love.
I am going to miss him calling me "baby doll" like he always did when we spoke.
But most of all, I am going to miss him.
Though out of sight, my father lives forever in my heart.
I love you Pops!

When I think of my Dad the first two words to come to my mind are unconditional love and admiration. Not just because the love for him that I had or how I admired him but how he loved, admired and was committed to my mother for 52 plus years. The little and special things he did to make my mom happy. Flying her to Tampa on a private plane to have dinner or throwing her a party at our house with a big giant welcome home balloon on the roof after she went away on a trip. My Dad truly loved my mother and she truly loved him.

My Dad was an amazing man though I tried his patience often, probably from birth, my Dad never stopped loving me nor did he ever turn his back on me. My Dad always cared about others before himself regardless of the situation. My Dad worked hard and long hours for his family. He was always gone when I got up to go to school and didn't come home until dinner time. Though my Dad was very successful with his business he shared the spoils with everyone around him regardless of what they did. My Dad was an amazing man.
I am sure everyone knows the story of me taking my Dad's truck out to the levy in Miami and getting the truck stuck in the mud. I didn't come home for days but my mom found me and we went out to where the truck was. My Dad was mad but after a day or two, he was back to being the same Dad that I loved and admired. 
Or the time I rode my dirt bike through the neighborhood when I was around 10 years old or so and was chased by some older guy and his sister in a car. The caught up to me right at the corner of my house and he pushed me off my dirt bike. My Dad just happened to be outside on the patio with some people and could see what happened through the fence. My Dad came running and was ready to fight this guy who shoved me. 
Or the many times on the different boats he had while we were growing up. I remember going fishing with my Dad and some of the guys from his station. I remember one time almost being thrown overboard when my dad told me to stand in front of the boat and he slammed it into reverse. I remember my Dad being so proud of the blue marlin and sail fish he caught on a trip to Hawaii and also being so mad that mom wouldn't let him keep it in the house. 
I have so many great memories of my Dad, I could go on forever. I love and miss my Dad, I admire my Dad because of the kind of father he was to me and my sister. Yes, he loved us very much but he also instilled in us core values that define who he was. And that, was a man who kept promises. Honored commitment, He was a man of integrity, his word was his bond. He always taught us to do things the right way and not to take short cuts. He taught us to love and show compassion to others. 
Please know that my Dad went very peaceful and he did it his way. He had a great day out with my mom, he came home and watched a movie, ate dinner and watched the snow fall in 43 degree weather. He showered and then sat in his recliner where he passed away as my mom was in the shower. My sister left work early that night and went home. I was listening to my wife give a speech and say nice things about me and I was feeling really good. When I got the phone call, I left the kids with my wife and told her I had to go because something is wrong with my Dad. I was alone in my car where I could grieve the way I needed to but I was also driving a little too fast (90 plus) at night in the rain. After about 10 miles I noticed 2 brake lights and 2 solid blue lights in the distance. As I approached I started to switch lanes when I noticed it was a cop that I was about to pass so I slammed on the brakes. I prayed he would turn and when he didn't I cursed then prayed but he was still there. I was still behind him when I was told my Dad had passed and I lost control of myself. I remember trying to focus on the road but I couldn't. I do remember seeing those two blue lights on the light bar and for the next 30 miles followed him right to my parent's driveway as he was one of the responding police officers. That night I realized my Dad was with me making sure everything was going to be ok and that I made it to the house safely. 
His grandchildren will miss their grandfather so much and that is the biggest regret I will have. I wish they had more time to spend with their grandfather as he loved them So much. He wrote in a letter left behind that he wanted grandchildren so my mom can spoil. We all knew who spoiled my children the most and yes it was my Dad. 
My Mother will miss not having her husband & best friend by her side but she is at piece knowing he is at home with his God and not suffering anymore.
My sister and I will miss not having our Dad to turn to for advice or just to call on the phone or visit at home. I will miss seeing and feeling the Love I felt from just seeing my Dad and knowing no matter what it was everything would be okay because our Dad was there. But most of all I will miss my true friend who never turned his back on me or judged me, that was our Dad 
Dad, I love you and you will forever live on in our hearts for you were not only my Dad but my best friend
Love your Son & Friend

God our Father, 
Your power brings us to birth.
Your providence guides our lives
And by Your command we return to dust.
Lord, those who die still live in Your presence, their lives change but do not end.
I pray in hope for my family, relatives and friends, and for all the dead known to You alone.
In company with Christ,
Who died and now lives,
May they rejoice in Your kingdom,
Where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family,
To sing your praise forever and ever.

Amen.

Chris and Family, may fond memories of your Father/Husband bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. Look back on all the good memories you were able to have and smile at the fact that you were able to share these before he passed away. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

Hey papu! Eventhough I did not have the pleasure of being around you so much, the times I did showed me how much of a great man, grand father, father and husband you were to not only your family members but people like me and my mother who luckily had the pleasure of meeting you! Unfortunately life has an unfair and sad way of taking great people out of our lives and on March 3rd God took you as one of his guardian angels, We will always remember you with joy and love! Rest in peace Papu!

Aunt Nancy, you and Uncle Billy hold a very special place in my heart. I am just glad that he is not suffering anymore. I know it will not be easy to move forward in life with out him but, you will always have your memories of your life with him, your two wonderful children, your two daughter-in-laws, and those two gorgeous grandsons.  I will always be here for you if you  ever need me. RIP Uncle Billy, I Love You both very much.  You will always be missed 
Love your Niece Michele Greene-Polan

Papu, I will miss you and I hope you are in a better place now. I will miss feeding the birds and animals with you and sometimes going fishing. I will also miss going shooting with you. Papu you are the best and I will always remember you. Love Christopher XXXOOO

Bill, I came in to your family not knowing what I'd find ...you made David and I feel right at home from the first day that we met.
You welcomed David and I with open arms and I won't forget that and I will be forever grateful.
You always knew what to say, always encourage me with kind words..you always believed in me ...you always told me I know you can! I still can't believe you are gone...so many things that I wanted you to know, like how grateful I am for raising my husband to be a great man, a wonderful husband and son. You did good papu I'm blessed to be part of your family ...and I promise you until the day I die I will take care of your boys like you asked me in the letter you left us...I promise I will do my best to make you proud and I can only hope that Christopher and David will become the wonderful, kind honest men that you would want them to be.
Thank you Bill and Nancy for loving me, and showing me kindness.
Bill I know in my heart that you are at peace and in heaven...I love you so much and don't worry about your angel Nancy. Chris, Christopher, David and I will take care of her and love her always.
You will always be in my heart...
Because in there you are still alive. Love Jessy

Papu Bello! No tuve la dicha de poder compartir el tiempo deseado junto a ti, pero los años compartidos fueron suficientes para poder conocer y disfrutar de la persona, amigo, papà, suegro mas maravillozo. Fuistes y seras muy especial en nuestras vidas, gracias por todo ese tiempo compartido, por esos abrazos, por tus consejos, por esos te quiero siempre, y como olvidar cuando siemre me llamabas niña. Te agradezco permitirme ser parte de ustedes. Por siempre te llevare en mi alma y en mi corazon. Descansa en paz. Te amo mi papu bello! XOX

Thank you Uncle Bill for being the man you were; strong, dedicated, giving and loving. I will always remember and cherish the memories with you.  I know you were welcomed with open arms into heaven by all, especially my dad. May you rest in peace.

Dear Nancy,
Sending loving memories of Bill for all that he represented in life...love, compassion, caring, honesty, truth, tolerance and forgiveness.

Bill loved you, your children and grandchildren so very much. In life you were his angel, he now becomes yours watching from the heavens. Keep him always in your heart,

Rest in peace Bill and thank you for the wonderful memories. May God bless you and hold you in his loving arms.

I've been incredibly fortunate, and sometimes, I wonder what I ever did to deserve all of the blessings in my life, the beautiful strong bond I had with my father being just one of many. Throughout my life, my father has been a stable, loving presence, supporting and guiding me, being a shining example of how someone should act toward others.  
An example of how to love and care for others. 
An example of devotion and dedication to family and friends. 
An example of integrity and persistence in working toward your life goals. 
An example of faith and spirituality.
When we hear the word "hero," it usually brings up images of men (or women) with super powers, sweeping in to save the world. 
When I hear that word, I see my father. 
The word "hero" to me is full of subtleties, small, quiet, yet profound ways of making impacts and changing lives. A hero puts his best self forward and uses compassion, kindness, empathy and non-violence to serve others, whether that is the entire world or his immediate family. Service without expectation of material gain or recognition is a true act of heroism, and my father is famous for his generosity.  
I attribute much of who I am as a person to my Dad and I thank him for his dedication to our family.
Those who were blessed to have known him, were truly fortunate.
Dad, you are my father, my inspiration and my hero.  Every day for the rest of my life, you will be in my thoughts. I will miss you every day, yet take comfort in knowing that you have found peace in heaven and will continue to guide us until we are together again.
Rest in peace,
I love you Pops! 
XOXO

Monday, March 07, 2016
Bill was a special person to all of us especially his family. He loved all of you. Robert and I will always remember him for all the things he has done for both of us. I know that he loved my cooking and making special things for him was enjoyable. He was a very quiet and peaceful man RIP Willy

Thru Bill I have learned to love with all your heart all you hold dear,cherish the moments for they will be forever inbedded in your hearts. Faith that God will se you thru. A wisdom that comes from  all years lived. Lives put on hold for the betterment of one. We will miss him dearly. Thank you Bill for loving me. I will always love you. Nancy

Chris, my heart is broken for you and your family having lost your father William. I know your father was proud of his devoted family. Continue his legacy and honor him through your traditions. I know this is a huge loss to the family but I hope it will bring you all closer. My condolences.

Combo Bill,
I was blessed to work with Bill for over ten years at bass pro shop.He was very much a father figure to us all a wonderful man and loved by all of us here at the store .. I will miss you Bill thank you for all the life lessons you taught me..To the family know that the entire store is in sorrow today and share in your sadness.. Thank You for sharing such a wonderful man with us .. God Bless you all always... Much Love Nelson Martinez

I am so sorry about the passing of my Uncle Bill. I have so many fond memories of spending time together in Keys, Miami, Orlando, and finally the cabin in SC. I'll miss his sense of humor and laugh; he always had a funny smart aleck come back for most things and I enjoyed hearing him tell a story. Please know what Role Models the two of you are to not only me but to everybody. 52 years of marriage, all the hard work at the station, and your unconditional love of family and friends; is truly inspiring for all. 
 I love you, God bless you and I will miss my Uncle Billy so much.

Uno de los momentos mas dificiles es cuando perdemos a un ser tan querido y muchas veces no sabemos que decir , solo puedo decirte que lo siento mucho y estoy contigo en tu dolor , se que Dios te ayudara a recordar los momentos felices , sus consejos , sus sonrisas y todas esas cosas bellas que pasastes junto a el , que Dios te bendiga , te quiero mucho ., un gran abrazo , igualmente a tu mama, tia y hermano a todos mi solidaridad.

 RIP Uncle Bill Hughes. Always giving, kind and took the time to show us what family is all about. The trips to Tavernier, taking us fishing, diving and spear fishing. You gave me my first job and I always had a great respect for you. You will be missed. RIP. God bless my blood, the Hughes family. I love you all very much.

RIP... Thank you for all the memories I had especially in the KEYS.....I will never forget almost burning your house down! You still offered me chances in life.....my former boss....THANK YOU ...YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED! I LOVE YOU .......UNCLE BILL ...

Willy, my brother in law but also my friend. I miss you, but I know that you are in a better place with the Angels and my Angel. I will talk to you when I sit on the rocker and drink my coffee on the front porch because I know that you will be there. I will think of you when I see Tammy and Chris because   they are so special, caring  and forgiving like their Dad and Mom . Willy, thank you for being my friend.

Chris, I am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing.  You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

My prayers are with you all.  Billy truly was an angel here on earth.

Chris & Family, Very sorry to hear of William's passing. May your memories of him bring you comfort at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.

Dad you are an amazing Father, Husband and Friend! I will never forget the things you taught me and the things you did for me! I will miss you everyday of my life but I will survive and so will Mom, Tammy, Christopher, David and Jessenia. I know you are in a better place and you are not suffering anymore. I also know you were with me when I drove to the house the night you passed. I love you and your legacy will live on forever Dad! Thank you for the letters you left me they were very special! Little Christopher is doing ok as I am sure you can see him and are watching over him. He will always remember his Papu and what a wonderful Grandfather and Friend he had in you! Dad I love you and miss you so much.. Love Chris

In death, we are judged NOT by a single deed, but by the totality of our lives. Bill was unquestionably one of earth's angels. He was a wonderful husband who loved and cherished his wife, Nancy. He was a model father and grandfather whose love, encouragement and devotion never faltered. He treated his extended family and friends with great kindness. He shared his successes generously and lovingly. He left a legacy of delightful and unforgettable memories. For all this, I would like to say "Thank you, Bill. May you bask in the glory of God".

I will dearly miss Bill, he was a great brother. I have so many fond memories from childhood through our senior years.  He always checked out all my boyfriends, finally approving of Bucky my husband being his best man.. They became great friends.  Bill was a very generous kind man a good husband, father and grandfather.  I know there is a special place in heaven for him and he will still look down and take care of his family.

I did not have the pleasure to meet Mr. Hughes, but I wanted to send my condolences to his Son Chris, and the rest of the extended family in this time of mourning.  My prayers are with you

I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to meet Mr. Hughes and to have been welcomed into his home. He lived a full life and was blessed with such an amazing family; it was apparent that he & Mrs. Hughes perfectly complimented each other. You are all in my family's thoughts and prayers.

Mrs. Hughes,
Mr. Bill was very special to me.  I meet him when he came to register for Holy Cross Catholic Church.  I work in the office and he would come in to get Mass cards and we talked many times about his heart problems and his surgeries.  He was such a special person.  I enjoyed talking to him.  I just spoke with him last Sunday at church and I knew then that he was tired and ready to go home.  Heaven gained a great man.  Our prayers are for you and your family during this time.

Gods speed my friend. You were my friend and at one point you were my boss and we didn't always see things the same way but we always worked it out. I remember one time in particular it was a question about an accounting issue and you told me I was wrong since I would not give in because I knew I was correct so I told you to call the accountant Tom and he did. I will never forget he came back to the office an said listen up cause I don't do this very often he said I'am sorry. Nancy and I would always call Bill "Billy Breakstone". You will be missed so much. Fly with the angels.

OBITUARY

William Hughes

August 1, 1943 – March 3, 2016

Dillard Memorial Funeral Home & Hillcrest Memorial Park

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