Tony R. Hughes, 64, of the Bunker Hill Community of Carter County, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, July 26, 2014. He was a son of the late Hazen and Frances Street Hughes and was born in Avery County, N.C., although he lived most of his life in Carter County. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis Jewell Morton Hughes, on February 4, 2004; a son, Roger Hughes; a sister, Ruby Hughes; and a brother, Jimmy Wayne Hughes.
Tony was retired from Mapes Piano String Company with over 30 years of service where he was treasured as a dedicated employee. He was an organizer and member of the Honey Do Camping Club.
Tony liked to work on cars and fish and was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins Football Team. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton where he served on the property committee.
He is survived by his wife, Laura Holsclaw Hughes, of the home; two sons, Robert Hughes, Johnson City, and Michael Hughes and his wife, Amanda, Roan Mountain; a sister, Arcillis “R.C.” Neil, Bluff City, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Jasmine Hughes and Seth Hughes, both of Roan Mountain; a step-daughter, Jennifer Price and her husband, Preston, Johnson City; and a step-grandson, Cayman Price, Johnson City. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 28, in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Friends may also call at the home at other times. The Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Hughes will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Raymond Amos officiating. Interment will follow the funeral service at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected from his fellow employees of Mapes Piano String Company. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Hughes family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.