J. Harold Hughes

James Harold Hughes was born January 9, 1931, in Dallas TX. He passed from this world on July 23, 2015, in Abilene, TX at the age of 84. His parents were Fred C. and Florence Ellen Lee Hughes. The family moved to Abilene in 1936. He was an Alta Vista “Rooster” who graduated as an “Eagle” from Abilene High in 1948 and entered Texas A&M, class of 1952. Upon graduation, he received his commission and served for a time in the U.S. Army. After his military service, he returned to Abilene and became a partner with his father and brother in Fred Hughes Motors. As a member of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, he was a founding director and first chairman of the board of the Better Business Bureau of Abilene. He was a member of Key City Kiwanis (president for two terms), the Abilene A&M Club (as a member, president, and board member) and the AISD School Board. He was a past president of the Madison Junior High PTA, a member of the Boy Scouts Chisholm Trail Council Board and was an active volunteer in many other civic endeavors. Harold loved to sing and was in choirs and singing groups all of his life, beginning in elementary school. At Abilene High, he was a member of the A Capella Chorus, the Glee Club and the Boys Quartet. One of his great joys during college days was singing with the Singing Cadets and the “Harmonaires” quartet at Texas A&M. He sang at many weddings and funerals and was a faithful and loved member of the St. Paul United Methodist choir for over 70 years. He was very active in his church and served in many different capacities such as youth sponsor, fund raiser, board chairman and a member of many committees. He loved God and working through his church to further God’s kingdom. He was a faithful example to all around him. In 1957, he married his sweetheart, Glynell Armstrong, and they raised four wonderful children. As they raised their family, Harold supported his children, rarely missing piano recitals, band concert and contests, sporting events, plays or other school, scouting and church activities in which they were involved. Harold leaves behind his wife of 57 years, his children and grandchildren: James and Shelley Hughes (Abilene), Michelle (Boston), Nicole (Houston) and Pate (Abilene); Robert and Cindy Hughes (Southlake), Kristin (Southlake), Allison (Dallas), John and wife, Kendra (Philadelphia), and Matthew (Southlake); Kathryn and Gary Grigsby, Anna, Meagan and Carter (Houston); and Elizabeth Hughes (Bryan/College Station). He will also be missed by his brother, Fred Lee Hughes of Abilene and loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation will be Sunday, July 26, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Burial will be at Elmwood Memorial Park on Monday, July 27 at 9:30 AM, followed by a Memorial Service and celebration of his life, at St. Paul United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM. The family requests that memorials be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, Hospice of the Big Country, Meals on Wheels Plus, the Singing Cadets at Texas A&M or an organization of your choice. “Softly call the muster, Let comrade answer, ‘Here!’”