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Obituary For William "Tommy" Thomas Hughes
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 Taijuan 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.
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Sorry to hear of the passing of Tommy. You're in my prayers. Valerie Kellam
Condolences to your family for the passing of your loved one I will be praying for you and your family.
So sorry to hear about Tommy, one of my cousins, my prayers and love 💘are with his family today 🙏❤
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Aunt Elsie, Twins and the Hughes and Patterson family. We are very saddened to lose Tommy. He was the "go to" when all the other shops closed. And he's just always been a Goodwill Church icon. We wish you joy and peace during this storm. Joy for your family memories and peace in knowing that our loss is Heaven's gain. Stay strong family, and always know that you're never alone in your time of bereavement. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. Gloria T. Hairston and the Timlick siblings, Clyde, Collis, Tonya and your niece, Brittany
Tell me what the jokester, but anything you ask him to do he would try to do it. Very kind love to laugh and love to make you laugh he will well be missed.
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To our family, we were saddened to hear on today that Tommy had passed away. To Elsie and the girls we are praying for you during this difficult time. Tommy was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed. Wish we could be there with you. Love always, Aunt Aileen, LeJuan, Frances, Starr and Tatiana
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family due to the loss of your love one. Tommy was very dear to my family. Gone but never forgotten.
May "Tommy" Rest in Peace. Prayers & Thoughts for the Family. Sherry & Terry Hill
My condolences to the family. May you all find comfort in the love and memories you shared. Sending prayers and love.
My condolences to the Hughes family! He was a wonderful man! May he rest in peace.
A gentle giant has fallen. One whose arms and hands stretched over four counties and three states. One who freely and selflessly gave of himself to whomever needed a helping hand. Affectionately known as Tommy, brought sunshine and laughter wherever he went. Always in a hurry to start the day, whether it was providing Tow Service, changing a tire, your love and servant attitude will always transpire. We will think of you come family reunion time, ( The Webster, Gibson-Brown, Hughes) just to name a few. You were always there and we will miss you. We saw your health had begain to decline but you continued to hold on to God's Unchanging Hands. Rest In Peace, Your reward shall be great! Our thoughts and prayers are with our family in this time of bereavement. We are here if you need us, just let us know. We will take a peice of Tommy wherever we go. We love Tommy and you all too. We will continue to pray for you. ( The Trailor Park Gang, Uncle Fred and Aunt Annie's Crew)
My condolences to the Hughes and Patterson family! Tommy was a special man that will be missed by many.
Our Condolences & Prayers To The Family!! Tommy Was A Sweet Man To Work With! Joyce & Ben
Our thoughts and prayers 🙏🏽 are with the family
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family 🙏🏽
Another sweet soul gone to soon...praying for the family ❤️💜
Tommy was a sweet soul. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
FAMILY... I pray god's grace, peace and comfort upon you all. Tommy will be missed 😔
Prayers are made for the family. Tommy was a great friend to all. Each time I had the pleasure of being in his present he created a positive atmosphere. All will miss him deeply. Our sincere condolence to all. We all are a part of the family. Love always.
Tommy was a kind man.He was a great help to my family. My family sends prayers and condolences to the Hughes family and friends. Magdalene, Loretta,Lanita and Emily.
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My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you. Tommy was a good friend! I'm very thankful and blessed to have known him.
So sorry for your family loss. Praying for the family. May God bless you all!
So sorry for your family loss. Praying for the family. May God bless you all!
My deepest sympathy to the entire Hughes and Patterson Family. May God keep you all and give you the strength and comfort that will help you all in these times. It was Great seeing Elsie and the family last night. I got back home to Nashville tonight at 6:00pm. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless! Dexter Welch 421 Broadmoor Drive, Nashville, TN. 37216. 615-243-1495 Funtymes596@yahoo. Com.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
