Ltc. John Dee Hughes, U. S. Army Retired, 84, born in Macon to John Dee Pinson and Laura Pauline Mott Hughes on April 15, 1933, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Tift Regional Medical Center. He was preceded in death by six sisters and his identical twin, James Pinson Hughes.
He attended Lanier High School and Mercer University where he was elected to the Athletic Hall of Fame. He served in the U. S. Army for two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot with distinction. Upon retirement he served as County Manager of Taylor County. He was ordained a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Reynolds. He also worked as a teacher, coach, and businessman. He served as President of the Macon Exchange Club, President of Riverside Country Club, and was a High School Football Official for many years. He loved singing in the Adult Choir at Vineville Baptist Church in Macon. He also taught Sunday School Classes of youth and young adults.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 61 years, Betty Ann Hughes; daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and George Hirsch of Livingston, TX; son and daughter-in-law, John and Nancy Hughes of Tifton; three grandchildren, Mark Yeatman, Luke and Matthew Hughes; and one great-grandchild David Hughes.
His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 26, 2017, at Vineville Baptist Church in Macon with Dr. Bill Hardee and Dr. Richard Kremer officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 26, 2017, from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of the service at Vineville Baptist Church in Macon.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave., Suite 1100 N, Bethesda, MD 20814.