Howard Hughes Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Howard Hughes
Start: 2024-01-20T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Bethlehem United Methodist Church

HUGHES, Jr., Howard "Ron"

Howard R. Hughes Jr., 87, passed away surrounded by family on January 13, 2024. Born in Atlanta, GA, where he lived for 59 years, Ron was the son of Howard Hughes, Sr., and Louise Hughes. He graduated from Atlanta's Murphy High School in 1955. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958 and proudly served his country for four years as a signal analyst at Fort Monroe, VA. Upon returning home from the military, he continued his education and graduated with a law degree from Atlanta Law School in 1967.

Ron worked at Cowan Supply Company in Atlanta for 25 years, culminating in the role of president and CEO, before moving to Tampa, FL, with his wife, Grace. While in Tampa, he proudly worked for Grohe America and Hansgrohe until his retirement in 2015, at the age of 79.

Ron never met a stranger, and loved his family, UGA football and his church. He and Grace were married for more than 64 incredible years. He attended Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Bethlehem, GA.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Howard Hughes, Sr; his mother, Louise Hughes; and sister, Nancy Jones. Ron is survived by his wife, Grace; daughters, Kimberly Looby (Thomas Looby) and Leanne Cates (Ross Crater); grandchildren, Megan Golder (Christian Golder), Kaitlin Ridge (Thomas Ridge), Michael Cates (Danielle Cates), Trenton Cates, Kara Looby and Ashlyn Cates; as well as his great-grandchildren, Tyler Ridge, Ava Ridge, Addison Ridge, Ansley Ridge, Dylan Cates, Lillian Cates, Quinn Golder and Thomas Ridge.

Grace and her family invite you to join in celebrating Ron's life this Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 1 PM, at Bethlehem United Methodist Church with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ron's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Bethlehem United Methodist Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jan. 17, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Hughes

8 Entries

Brian Marincov

January 25, 2024

Grace, Ron was my friend and Mentor with Grohe for over 15 years. When we hired Ron it became evident no one was more committed, engaged or loved by his accounts. I have many great memories. One of my favorites, was him questioning me about a service call he wanted to make together. It was after a long days work in Naples. He had scheduled a service call in Marco Island at 7PM. He couldn't understand why I said lets do it in the Morning! Well, YES we made the call and ONE more happy customer was made. Grace, You and Ron had me over for dinner one evening in Tampa. This Northerner didn't know what a BUTTER bean was. The two of you laughed and smiled. I went home and told Beth that the two of you were the couple we all aspire too. Thank you for sharing him with all us for so many years. Not many people have an impact on so many lives. RON was simple the best !
Brian

Dee

January 23, 2024

Always talk me into taking him to Ivey House Ocala they served cornbread and he then paid " thanks for being a friend and Rep dee

Gary Holyoke

January 23, 2024

When you need a definition of a true Southern Gentleman you need look no further than Ron Hughes. I had the privilege of getting to know him when I was the Moen Senior Territory Manager in west central Florida. While technically a competitor he really wasn't. Ron "owned" the Plumbing Wholesaler showrooms. In that category. Moen was a very distant second. We still kept in touch on Facebook. I am genuinely saddened at to hear of his passing. The plumbing industry lost a great Wholesale Rep and the world lost a great man. There won't ever be another like him. Rest in peace Ron. You will be missed.

Jeff Noll

January 20, 2024

I am very sad to hear of Ron's passing. He was a terrific colleague and mentor during our years together at Grohe.
He will be missed by many.
May He rest in peace.
Jeff Noll

Ken and Linda Carty

January 19, 2024

Grace, we lift you and your family up in prayer. Our times together in Tampa will always be remembered as some of our favorite memories - whether it was at church activities or the guys playing golf or having meals together. You and Ron, Dineen and Leonard, and Claus and Jocelyn and St. James UMC were out family there for ten years. We had hoped to see the two of you one more time. Ron's story has not ended. One day we all will join him and he will be our tour guide in heaven. We love you.

Sally Blaine

January 19, 2024

I spent my high-school days as part of this incredibly generous and wonderful family. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes made me feel as one of their own, more than just best friend of Kim's. I thought Mr. Hughes hung the moon and still do.

Melissa Allen

January 18, 2024

I'm so sad to find out this news. Ron was the first rep to ever teach me how to do a custom shower back in the 90's! I always loved our football banter as I am a FSU grad. I thought about reaching out after that bowl game this year -- now I regret not doing so. He is one of the Forever good ones and will be truly missed

Joe and Jo Ann White

January 16, 2024

Our sincere condolences to Grace and all the family. Ron was always Joe's favorite Grohe rep, a true southern gentleman, and most of all, a good friend to all our family. God rest his soul!

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