Gene Hughes

Rev. Gene Hughes, age 74, of Axson, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at his home in Axson following an extended illness and courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Christine Hughes, who passed away on August 12, 2018. Gene’s unique wit, wise words, and giving spirit will be missed and remembered often by the many people he touched over his lifetime.

Rev. Hughes was born on June 22, 1944, in Hazlehurst, Georgia. He was the son of the late Oswald “Obie” Hughes and Kathalou Jacobs Hughes.

Those surviving Rev. Hughes include son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Sandra Carter Hughes of Willacoochee; son and daughter-in-law, Allen and Amy Purvis Hughes of Ambrose; four grandchildren, Sarah Hughes, Harrison Hughes, Noah Hughes, and Daniel Hughes; brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Joyce Hughes of Brunswick; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Yancy and Roz Morris of Birmingham, AL; sister-in-law, Louise Shaw of Brunswick; and sister-in-law  and brother-in-law, Cathy and Morris Browning of Douglas. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Before obtaining his ministerial doctorate degree and entering the world of preaching, Gene worked for many years as an over-the-road truck driver. He and his wife both loved to fish and served as care takers at a fish camp on the St. Marys River in McIntosh County before moving back to Axson a few years ago. Both Gene and Christine were also avid fans of high school football and were spirited fixtures in the stands on Friday nights when the Rebels took the field.

During his years of preaching, Rev. Hughes served as pastor at Willacoochee Baptist Church, South Newport Baptist Church in Townsend, GA, Burkett Baptist Church in West Green, GA, Beulah Baptist Church in Blackshear, GA, and finally at Union Hill Congregational Christian Church, where he and Christine were married in 1963, where he was a member and served as pastor for the past 6 years.

Funeral services for Rev. Hughes were held on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at 3:00 P.M. at Union Hill Congregational Christian Church with Rev. Eric Grissino of South Newport Baptist Church officiating. Eulogies were given by his sons, Jeff and Allen Hughes. Special musical selections included “Shall We Gather at the River,” rendered by Mike Witherspoon, and “Beulah Land,” presented by CD.  A closing prayer was given by Mr. Witherspoon as well. Interment will be at a later date.

Serving as active pallbearers were: Harrison Hughes, Shea Browning, Clay Browning, Bill Cribb, Eric Griffis, and Kevin Griffis.

The family has requested that donations be made in Rev. Hughes’ memory to Bethany Hospice (www.bethany-hospice.com).

Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson was in charge of the arrangements.