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William Hughes Obituary
Carson was a technician with National Welding for 13 years. His favorite pastime was as a Competitive Eater where he ranked 17th in the world.
Survivors include his wife, Tereasa; four children, Jessica, Carson Jr., Clayton and Amanda; four grandchildren, Dallas (4), Jacquie (1), Paris (1), and Jacob (3 weeks); and one brother, Dalton Hughes Jr.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Peninsula Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Glen D. Jones officiating. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, in Bumpass Cove Cemetery, Unicoi County, with a time for friends to view beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at Valley Funeral Home, Erwin, Tenn.
The family wishes to thank the Newport News Fire Department and the ER staff at Riverside Regional Medical Center for working so hard to preserve life. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Hughes
Tereasa
December 24, 2009
It's Christmas Eve and it's hard to believe that your not with me. The past year has brought about many changes in life and in true family love. Your undying love for your family lives on in my heart. For Christmas this year - since I can't have you by my side - all I want is to have the memories of Christmas' past replayed. This year Christmas will be celebrated on December 26 - the day I've set aside to be "Carson's Day" of rememberance. We will be lighting candles, singing songs, opening presents and spending the day remembering the great times in life.
I love you and miss you!!
Tereasa Hughes
November 26, 2009
To my Beloved Husband this Thanksgiving day,
The big chair at the end of the Thanksgiving dinner table will be empty this year. My husband filled that seat every year until this one. I miss him deeply. Carson loved to tinker in the kitchen...wrestling with the turkey..in the sink, out of the sink, in the over, out of the oven, on the stove, back in the oven, then finally onto the table where, while smirking, he sliced it. He would look over at us while tasting the juiciest scraps that somehow, conveniently never made it to the platter. The TV would be blaring with the sounds of the Holiday Parades, all the while Carson was struting around in his underware. That's what I see when I think of Thanksgiving.
Carson will not be here this year. I'm thankful for all that he brought to my life and for the years I had with him. But still, there's a bitter sweet undertone of sadness and emptiness as Thanksgiving begins. I cannot and probably will never - or should - separate Thanksgiving and my memories of him. He will always remain a part of my holiday season.
I love you Carson,
Your dearest wife,
Tereasa
Tereasa
June 6, 2009
Just came from the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest - it was GREAT!! I know my husband is smiling in heaven right now! The memory of our days in the circuit gave me such warmth and just an all over glowing feeling. I appreciate the folks from IFOCE and Sonya Thomas "The Black Widow" remembering Carson "Collard Green" Hughes at the events.
God Bless and Love You All
Tereasa
June 4, 2009
I just read the update to the guest book......my love goes out to all those who respected my husband so much. I know that he would LOVE the fact that so many care for him. We all love you guys and root you on to victory!
Dearest Teresa, I just read on the IFOCE's site that Sonya Thomas is dedicating this weekend's qualifier at MacArthur's to Carson, and the IFOCE is dedicating the weekend to him. It made my heart very warm when I read the story, and I hope it warms yours as well: http://www.ifoce.com/news.php?action=detail&sn=684 God bless! Rhonda
Tereasa
April 9, 2009
Just a note to update everyone on what has been happening. I'm still extremely upset at my husband's passing. Carson was always with me every step of the day. Therefore, everything I do, everywhere I go, everything one I see reminds me of Carson - such a wonderful man.
I have been to the grave in Tenn. several times. I've been able to spend time talking with Carson - not the same, but makes me feel better.
Jessica, Amanda, Carson and Clayton are doing fine. They all have their moments but for the most part they have learned to expect the down times as well as the up times.
I wrote a long note last month about my feelings but it never got into this book - guess it was tooooo long. Will keep this one short.
Just wanted to say I love you baby!!
Tereasa Hughes
January 20, 2009
Thank you to everyone who wrote an entry to the guest book. Thank Ms. Conte and Crazy Legs for keeping this book open for an entire year.
Life is here and it's hard without Carson by my side. I'm trying to learn how to handle life day by day. He had so many friends that are helping me out and I really appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers.
On my mind is Carson's birthday which is coming up on Feb 2 -- he would of been 50 this year, a landmark age. I guess I will go to TN and help him blow out the candles.
I truly miss his smile, laughter and voice of love.
Take Care
Sonya Thomas
January 8, 2009
I am sad to learn that former competitive eater and 2003 Nathan's Final Table participant Carson "Collard Green" Hughes passed away Friday, December 26. Collard Green always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone he met. His enthusiasm for the sport of competitive eating was unmatched. I wish all of his loved ones the very best in this very difficult time.
My favorite photo. What was supposed to be a Xmas present (by request) for my daughter turned into a fun time for everyone. Homeless on the beach.
January 8, 2009
This would have to be Carson's favorite photo. He loved going to LA to join forces with Steve Harvey in EATING. He loved to put down some food.
January 8, 2009
Carson loving life!!
January 8, 2009
Sara, Riley, & Ryder Birmingham
January 1, 2009
I was really shocked to hear about what happened. There were only a handful of times I actually met Carson ( Davy and Jesse's Wedding & Jacquies first birthday party) but I have heard so many stories about him and he seemed like an awesome person! If anyone needs anything just ask me!!
Randi Cole
January 1, 2009
Tereasa,
I am sorry for the loss of your husband and friend. I know there is nothing I can say to make it any easier but please know that there are many people thinking about you. Take care, Randi Cole
Riverside
Brian Subich
January 1, 2009
Tereasa & Family;
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your husband and father Carson. I met you and your family first in Norfolk VA where Carson greeted me and my wife, like we had been friends forever. We competed that day in hot dogs, and I'll never forget how excited Carson was to compete. We met up again in Las Vegas, and Carson was thrilled to be a part of the contest. Although I didn't know him well, anyone who met him could tell he had a heart as big as gold. He was a great competitor and I'm sure he was an even better husband and father. God Bless you and your family, and God Bless Carson "Collard Green" Hughes.
"BIG" Brian Subich
Jen Dolata
December 31, 2008
Thereasa-- Words cannot truly express how sorry I am...please know that your Riverside Family extends all the way to Alaska and if you need to chat or anything, I am here. Take Care, my friend.
JOYCE SCHUH
December 31, 2008
Tereasa and Family,
My deepest sympathy go out to you and your family in the lost of Carson. I had the previledge of working with Carson at Va Home Medical and he was always a happy go lucky person everytime I saw him. I also bought a Shih Tsu from you guys 12 years ago and Bailey is still with me. Carson said he knew the little guy would be well taken care of and have a good home. May the Lord bless and comfort you during this difficult time.
Valerie Mirick-McCandless
December 30, 2008
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Carson. I knew him as he would come over to our house and play guitar with my Dad, Ken, and my uncle Charlie. He was a funny man and was always so nice to me! I hope that his humor is carried on in the great beyond and our family will be praying for you all. God bless. Valerie and family
Tricia Nickell
December 30, 2008
Tereasa and Family,
My heart was saddened to hear of your recent loss. I am so sorry. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May your wonderful memories of the past years sustain you and your family with love and life. Please call if I can help with anything. May God bless and keep you and your family.
Much love,
Tricia Nickell
Evans Kim
December 30, 2008
Hughes Family,
As you all know I always thought Collard Green was an amazing and funny man. He left a lasting impresion on everyone he met.The world wont be the same without him. I love you all so much, and you know if you need anything I am here for all of you. I love you guys. I love you Collard Green.
Edward James
December 29, 2008
Dear Hughes Family,
Carson was a "man's man". Larger than life in many respects and his down to earth nature was welcome by all. He had an appetite for life (pun intended) and will be missed by many. I was glad to meet him and sorry that he is gone. God Bless Carson and your family.
Marsha Coverdale
December 29, 2008
Dear Teresa, I am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Marsha Coverdale Resp. Care RRMC
Jessica Hughes
December 29, 2008
I love you dad
Steve Smith
December 29, 2008
Tereasa and Family
We are saddened by the passing of Carson. I worked with him at Air Products and National Welders. It was a joy being around him through the years he was always upbeat and enjoying life. May God be with you through these trying times.
Michelle Brooks
December 29, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Stephanie Rhodes
December 29, 2008
Hughes Family
Carson left us all with many fond memories. I met Carson when he was working for VA Home Medical and later worked with him at Air Products. He loved to talk about his children and family who were is greatest joy. May God Bless you during this time of sorrow.
CONNIE SMITH
December 29, 2008
THERESA, I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE PASSING OF YOUR HUSBAND, MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS.
CONNIE SMITH,RN-PEDS RRMC
beautifulbrian seiken
December 29, 2008
Theresa and family
Carson was a real standup guy . His zest and enthusiasm for life was second to none. I met him in las vegas while he was competing in the alka seltzer U.S open in July 2005.. I was amazed at his intensity at the table that afternoon and realized soon after that the same intensity was part of his exuberant lifestyle. Prayers go out to you and your family . He will be missed
Bonnie McPherson
December 29, 2008
Jessica, Carson, Clayton and Theresa,
We were so very shocked to hear of Carson's passing. He was so full of life and always kept us in stitches with his jokes and silliness. Even though we had lost contact over the past years he still remained in our thoughts. The last time we saw him was when my mom (Jeanette) passed away. He sat right there with us to say goodbye. I know that he will be truly missed by all of you. He was a very sweet and caring man and we were all lucky to have known him. God bless all of you. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Love to all.
Bonnie, Mac and Michelle McPherson
December 29, 2008
Teresa and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.I had the pleasure of being Carson's supervisor at Airgas National Welders and I have to say he truly touched my life as well as everyone else that worked with him on a daily basis.He taught us how to love life, love family and how to keep that positive attitude when things got a little rough.Carson was a giver, he gave of himself,his time, his talents and his possessions with no expectation of getting anything in return.I could always count on him to give 100% in whatever he did.Carson was the one that made us smile, that made us laugh everyday.His presence will truly be missed. I pray that GOD will comfort you and your family during this time. Absent from the body, present with the LORD.
Tim Wright
Airgas National Welders
Ann Rossi "Nate's Mom"
December 29, 2008
Dear Family:
My deepest condolences to the entire family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
I remember with smiles all the funny things he used to say when picking up/dropping off my son - he was one in a million and will be missed by all who's lives he touched!
Pauk Barlow
December 29, 2008
I never met Carson, but he was an inspiration to me! After seeing him in the Competitive Eating top 50, I said "that's my kind of guy!" Just reading about him makes me wish I would have gotten to know him....my condolences
Rhonda Evans
December 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to Tereasa and Carson's children and grandchildren. Carson touched many people in a most positive way. He was a good man. May God keep all of you and all those who miss him in his tender loving care.
Nate Kidd
December 29, 2008
I was truly saddened at the pasiing of Collard Green. I have known him since I was 14 and learned alot from him, ever since the day he started teaching me to cook. He was full of joy and brought happiness to everyone he came in contact with. I will always remember him as one of the best men I had the pleasure of meeting. The world is worse for losing him.
Tim McDonald
December 28, 2008
My deepest condolences to the entire Hughes Family. I have known Carson for the better part of 25 years and am hard pressed to find anyone who loved life as much as he.
Carson truly was one of a kind and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Charles He is in a better place
December 28, 2008
To the Hughes Family
I was really said to hear of the passing of carson.He was one of a kind and will be missed.We have alot of memorys together from playing guitar to teresa and carson being married in my laundramat.And jackie and dalton working for me all those years.May carson rest in peace
Charles Rowe
Hampton va
Joy Bryant
December 28, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I worked with Carson at Virginia Home Medical for many years. Periodically, I would run into him throughout the years after VHM and he was always the same happy go lucky guy who was always so proud of his family. We were all better people to have known him. God Bless.
Rona Conti
December 28, 2008
My Dear Tereasa and Family,
My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you who are surely as shocked as I at the sudden passing of your beloved Collard Green. I know that all of you, as a family, will celebrate his life, pay tribute, and help each other to go on living as he would have wished. He will be with you.
I will always remember his wonderful smile, his contagious enthusiasm for competitive eating, and his love for his family. It was an honor to know him and a pleasure to support him and cheer him on as an eater.
As you gather together in strength and love and support each other, please know that my love is sent to all of you from Boston and from Crazy Legs in New York.
Please take care of yourself as best you can Tereasa and know that Carson expressed to me in many different ways how much he loved you and your family. That is a gift of a lifetime.
With Love,
Rona
Deb Whitley
December 28, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
TIMOTHY BOLDEN
December 28, 2008
I was shocked at the news of Carson's untimely passing. He and I shared many funny and pleasant moments together at our place of employment at Air Products and National Welders. I will miss him and think of him fondly in the years to come. He was one of a kind.
Tim Bolden
the crafts
December 28, 2008
We are so very sorry for your loss. I've never met a person who's eyes twinkled so much, who smiled so much and didn't have a mean bone in his body. His legacy will live on in your hearts and those who he touched during his time here.
God Bless You All,
Mr and Mrs Robert Craft and family
tom ( tdot) & brenda hensley
December 28, 2008
i am very sorry for loss.carson had a zest for life and a protective quality for his family. we talked about many things the past 13 years, but you (his family ) was always a big topic and mentioned alot. i will missw him ,he was like my family.
Annie Girard
December 28, 2008
Tereasa and family, I was so saddened to learn of your loss. Carson was one of a kind and I know he touched the lives of many people. May the love and prayers of your friends and the special memories you have of him bring you strength and peace in the days to come.
Pam Householder
December 28, 2008
Jesse, Carson and Clayton,
It is a sorrow to loose someone so dear, you Father is in you heart, so you will always have him near. Take comfort knowing that your Father is walking with the Lord and he is a Angel now. May God-Bless you all and give you the strength to get thru your time of sorrow.
The Householder's
Pam, John, Jessica, Patrick and Landon
Donnie Jenkins
December 28, 2008
I worked with Carson at VA Home Medical, Air Products, and National Welders. He was one of a kind and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Donnie Jenkins
Mike Pierce
December 28, 2008
To Tereasa and the kids! I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Carson for 13 years and he was always dedicated to his family and loved his kids with all his heart. I will miss his happy go lucky way and love for life.
Monica Johnson
December 28, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Serena King
December 28, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss, Carson was a wonderful man. He will be missed by all.
-Serena
Tom Hudgins
December 28, 2008
To Carson's Family:
I so sorry for your loss. Carson was a one of a kind guy and a friend to all that knew him. He will certainly be missed by all his musician friends for his friendship, sense of humor, musical skills, and his knack for collecting unique musical instruments. May God comfort you during this time. Love and Many blessings, Tom (Jeff's Guitar Warehouse)
Tereasa Hughes
December 28, 2008
On this earth you may not be but in my heart you will forever live. I miss you!!
Love Always
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