Roy Stanley Hughes

Rev. Roy Stanley Hughes, “Paw Paw”, 86, of Prosperity, SC, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family, on May 19, 2026. He was born to Mack Clark Hughes and Nina Mae Stamper in Hensley, West Virginia.

Stanley was a ’57 graduate from Welch High School. After graduation he proudly served and retired from the United States Air Force after 21 years of service. He later became a pastor under the Southern Baptist denomination and served several churches during the years. He started his ministry as a senior pastor of Union Baptist Church in Norton, OH. After moving to South Carolina, he continued pastoring several congregations, with the longest time of combined 16 plus years serving Bethel Baptist Church in Cope, SC. While Stanley served as a pastor, he also was employed by Terminix Pest Control in Lexington, SC. He was known as “Preacher” or “Preach” to many who knew him. He ministered to everyone he would come in contact with. After many years of having a bi-vocational career, he retired fully to stay home and enjoy his grandchildren and the love of his life, his wife, Delores.

Stanley was predeceased by the love of his life, Delores Ann Hughes. The two were married for an amazing 64 years. Their life together was impressive with the many places they lived while in the military and then when finally settling in South Carolina. Their life together was a testimony of resilience, faith, and servanthood. He had the privilege to officiate several weddings for his children and grandchildren. Most of all he was most proud and confident that his children and grandchildren knew and loved the Lord as much as he did. His legacy of everything he stood for will continue through his family.

He is survived by three sons, Mark Hughes (Mary), Clifford Hughes (Cherry), Josh Hughes (April) and a son-in-law, Joel Sapp. There are 11 grandchildren: Timothy Sapp (Anna), Bethany Praylow (Chris), Brendae Hughes, Samantha Hughes, Christopher Hughes, Travis Grimsley (Mallory), Jessica Grimsley, Clay Hughes (Kaitlin), Casey Hughes (Eric), Amber Hughes, and Skylar Hughes. There are 17 great-grandchildren: Canaan, Cullen, Claire, Evelynn, Emberly, Malloree, Lyric, Bunny, Mikey, CJ, Chase, Mason, Isabella, Cassidie, Stephen, Carson, and Brooklyn. Also, a son/friend, Willie Mayes. Willie and Stanley were “partners in crime” and enjoyed spending many days together exploring new places to eat or visit. Also survived by a sister-in-law, but more like a sister, Ms. Carolyn Regina Bishop, of Roderfield, West Virginia.

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his daughter, Mrs. Joanna Sapp. Also predeceased by his siblings, Debbie Taylor, Randall Hughes, mother-in-law, Ms. Palma Maudine Bishop and brother-in-law, Larry Bishop.

Pallbearers will be Clay Hughes, Timothy Sapp, Chris Praylow, Garry Pye, Drew Silver, and Scott Murphy.

Services will be held at First Baptist Church Newberry, Friday, May 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation before the service at 1:00 p.m., at the church. Immediately following the service, there will be a brief memorial service and entombment at Southland Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, 700 West Dunbar Road, West Columbia, South Carolina 29170.

Thank you to the nurses and staff with Agape Hospice for the compassionate care and support you gave during these last days. Also the family would like to thank MSA Home health therapists and nurses that took great care of Stanley over the last couple of years.

The family would like to request that in lieu of flowers, to make memorial contributions, in honor of Stanley Hughes, to Kingdom Journey at First Baptist Newberry, 1020 Boundary Street, Newberry, SC 29108.