James Donald “Don” Hughes, 95, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.
Don was born in Murphy to the late Edward and Elsie Price Hughes. He was a member of the Good Neighbor’s Auto Club.
Don was a United States Army veteran. He was married almost 33 years to his beloved wife, Frankie Hughes.
Don was very kind, loving and caring. He had a very curious mind as he loved talking to people and learning what was going on in the area. Don also had a great sense of humor and loved to joke and laugh.
His life work was being an electrician. He and his father, Edward, started Hughes Electric, Inc in the 1960s. Don was an electrician for 70-plus years doing electrical work on many homes and businesses in the area.
He was an avid antique and classic car enthusiast. Don loved working on the family farm, loved his family and loved having them around him. He was a lifetime member and past president of the Murphy Lions Club when it was active.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Hughes Cook; and his brother, Jack Hughes.
He is survived by his wife, Frankie Porter Hughes; his sons, Roger Dale Hughes, Richard Joseph Hughes and Jeffery Donald Hughes and wife Pamela; his daughters, Patricia Dianne Hughes and Cynthia Lynn Mashburn; his brothers, Richard Hughes, Paul Hughes, Royce Hughes and wife Muriel and sister-in-law, Mildred Hughes; his 13 grandchildren; his 18 great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.
A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Daniel Burch officiated. Music was conducted by Glenda Clayton. Burial was at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with military graveside rites conducted by American Legion Post No. 96, Murphy; American Legion Post 532, Hayesville; VFW Post 6812, Hayesville; and the Marine Corps League, Marble. Pallbearers were Caleb Hughes, Jonathan Cook, Kevin Roper, Morgan Hamilton, Kyler Gustason and Gary Cook.
The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a favorite charity of choice.
You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.