William “Tommy” Hughes, 79 of Madison, NC passed on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Goodwill Baptist Church, 1036 K-Ford Rd., Madison, NC. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Perry Spencer Funeral Home, Madison, NC from 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

William “Tommy” Hughes, 79 of Madison, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026. He slept away peacefully in the still of the early morning as he was surrounded by loved ones. Tommy was born on March 7, 1946 in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, to the late Zachariah Hughes and nellie Reynolds “Babe” Hughes.

Tommy attended J. J. Jones High School, where he built lifelong friendships and developed a strong work ethic that guided him throughout his life. After graduation, he was drafted into the U. S. Army and proudly served his country in Vietnam as a cook. Upon returning home, he briefly served as a police officer with the Madison Police Department before beginning a long and dedicated career as a machine mechanic at RJ Reynolds.

After retiring from RJ Reynolds, Tommy turned his lifelong passion for cars into a business. - Hughes Towing, known for his reliability and his signature Big Red Tow Truck, he became a trusted name in the community, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

A devoted member of Goodwill Baptist Church, Tommy served faithfully on the Usher Board and the Male Chorus. He was always willing to help with whatever was needed to be done around the church, often mowing the grounds even when his health was declining.

Tommy found joy in spending time in his garage, fixing cars and sharing his mechanical knowledge with others. He loved cars, eating and time with family and friends. He will be remembered for his generosity , humor and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Zachariah and Nellie Hughes; brothers; Johnny Hughes and Norris Hughes, sisters; Dionne Mae “Deon” Hughes and Terry Lynne Marshall, sister-in-law; Myrna Hughes and step-daughter; Karen “Wynee” Patterson.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of 45 years, Elsie Hughes. Children: Kish (Nikki) Hughes, LaWanda Hughes, Judy Scales (Eric) and Teajuan Welch. Three step-daughters; Vonda Patterson, Glenda Patterson and Katina Patterson. He was a proud “Papa” to Ajea Hughes, Sherika Scales, Samantha Moore (Ozzie), Jacob Scales, D'Altra Patterson, Paris Hughes-Neal, Jayden Welch, great grandchildren, MaKenzie Wilhelm, Alayah Scales-Graves and Ozariah Moore. He is also survived by his loving siblings; Edsel Hughes, Roger Hughes, Patricia Dodd and Susie Reynolds, sisters-in-law; Jeanetta Hughes and Jacqueline Hughes and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Tommy's legacy of service, love and laughter will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.