Robert Paul Hughes, 88

May 17, 1935  –  August 24, 2023

OKOLONA – Robert Paul Hughes, often called Bob, was born on May 17, 1935 in Yazoo County, MS to the late Thomas Jefferson Hughes and Mary Jane Jones Hughes. A patriotic American, he joined the United States Air Force and served bravely and admirably for 26 ½ years, including tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam. He received several medals for his bravery and loyalty. He and his family lived in many places and military bases around the country. In 1971, he retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant while stationed at Columbus Air Force Base in Columbus. He married JoAnn Hughes on Aug. 29, 1953 in Columbus, a marriage of 64 years until her death on June 7, 2018.

After retirement, he and JoAnn settled in the Troy/Wren/Okolona area where they made their home and many friends. He enjoyed serving almost 20 years as a Security Guard at Cooper Tire. Robert loved the outdoors, mowing his yard and gardening.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4 PM Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Dr. Paul Sims officiating. Visitation will be from 2 PM to service time at the church. Burial, with Air Force Military Honors, will be in Upper Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family.

Paul is survived by his five children Deborah Carter, Donna Jones (Jeff Stewart), Mark Hughes (Susan), Laurie Hood (Greg), Matt Hughes (Kallie); grandchildren, Jamie Williams, Andrew Hughes (Beth), Rachael Atwood (Thomas), Joshua Long, Chris Hughes (Rachel), Katelyn Roberts (Jonathan), Ashley Hall (Phillip), Justin Hughes (Victoria), Layla Fondren, Sandra Carter, Eric Carter, and Gary Carter (Liz); great-grandchildren, Axel Hughes, Preston Atwood, Brooklynn Frost, Elizabeth Long, Lucas Long, and Catie Long, Raelyn, Millie, Harrison, Oliver, Emmie, Hudson, Brody, Colton, Ella, Lizzie Kate, Sasha, Ethan, Milan, Sabrina, Kayla, Joanna, Annie, Mckenzie, Levi, Camron, Gavin, Bradon, Kat, and Zachary; great-great-grandchildren, Grayson, Damon, Kyle, and Luke;

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Jane and Thomas Hughes; and his wife, Joann Reeves.

Condolences may be emailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.