Thomas Hughes was born in the Central Community of Carter County, Tennessee.
His wife of fifty years, Mabel Elizabeth Askew Hughes, son, Thomas Ross, and two unnamed still born daughters preceded him in death.
He was the thirteenth child of Nannie Kate Gobble and John Samuel Hughes.
Preceding him in death were five sisters: Sadie Louise, Lena Kate, Mary Bell, Mildred (Patsy) Jeanette and Susan Matilda; seven brothers: George Dewey, Joseph Ward, Fred, John David, Charles Wallace, Robert Carter and Eugene.
Tom is survived by Joe and Shelia Hughes; a special nephew and niece; and other nephews and nieces and a special friend, Mary Forrester.
He was a lifelong member of the Central Church of Christ in the Central Community of Johnson City. There he served as a deacon for many years. He was also on the Maintenance Committee, where he assisted in many projects to keep the church running smoothly.
He was involved for many years in the Central Volunteer Fire Department. He was the first president of the Central School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at the present location. He was awarded a lifetime membership in the National PTA.
He was also a lifetime member and former president of the Elizabethton Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Mr. Hughes was a lifetime member, former vice-commander and former full commander of the American Legion Post # 49.
He served eight years on the Carter County Commission, where he was appointed chairperson to the Health and Welfare Board; also appointed to the Beer Board.
Tom spearheaded all the various aspects of getting the Carter County History book published. He always gave all the credit to the many dedicated and efficient volunteers whom he worked with. Together they spend many hours, weeks and months gathering the information, checking its accuracy, and putting the information together and editing it for publication.
Mr. Hughes worked for thirty-five years at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VA) at Mountain Home in the lab. He served his country for five and a half hears in the Army. He worked for the Public Health Department (Tuberculosis Department) at the beginning of his career.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday in the Central Church of Christ (Central Community) with Mr. Todd Wolfe, Minister, officiating.
Graveside Service and Interment will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Happy Valley Memorial Park. Music will be provided by the Men of Central Church. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in the Central Church of Christ. Friends may also call at the residence of Joe & Shelia Hughes (Central Community).
To those who prefer, memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Hughes to the Central Volunteer Fire Department, 215 Hopson Road, Johnson City, Tennessee 37601.
Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday to go to the cemetery.
Condolences may be e-mailed to mfc@chartertn.net.
Memorial Funeral Chapel, Elizabethton, is in charge.
