Anthony Dwayne Hughes

Anthony Dwayne Hughes, affectionately known as "Big Tony", "Malcolm", and "Huss", son of the late George Roger Hughes and Regina Mae Hughes (Plummer) of Hurlock, Maryland was born on July 14, 1962 in Cambridge, Maryland. He departed from on December 4, 2021 at his home in Waldorf, Maryland.

Anthony "Tony" Hughes devoted his time and talents to serving the Lord, singing on various choirs in Hurlock United Methodist Church, and as a member of the "Gospel Travellers" and "Spiritual Vessels" of Hurlock, Maryland. Tony served as the Spiritual Vessel's manager and soundman for 22 years; as you can imagine, he also selected the groups attire for those years. Tony's love for the church he grew up in was evident through his giving, care and contact with seniors, and visitations whenever his schedule allowed. After moving across the bridge, Tony transitioned his church membership to Alexander Memorial Baptist Church and received Christian baptism on September 1, 2018. He became a welcomed addition to the Alexander Memorial Baptist Church Men's Choir and Mass Choir. As his schedule allowed, Tony made himself available to assist the Food Pantry ministry and participate in weekly Bible Study and Men's Ministry meetings.

Tony received his early education through Dorchester County Public Schools where he excelled as a star basketball and baseball player, soccer player, and member of the marching band. He continued to participate in the annual alumni basketball game to benefit North Dorchester High School's scholarship fund. Tony pursued higher education at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore majoring in Business Administration. He was proud to play on the Hawk basketball team as a walk-on player during the 1981 - 1982 season. Here, this gentle giant with the capturing smile and magnetic personality, embodied Hawk Pride and developed life-long relationships.

One of those life-long relationships transformed into marriage to Cynthia Lilly of Aberdeen, Maryland. Having met more than thirty years earlier at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and after following different life paths, their fairytale love story became a reality on October 22, 2016. Tony's love for Cynthia is not a surprise to anyone who knows him - he showed no hesitation in recounting their story. Cynthia will tell you that Anthony captured her heart the first moment she met him. She will tell you how much Tony is so like her deceased stepfather Joe, "the best man she has ever known", and that Tony is the gift that Joe prayed for her.

In the same year, Tony accepted employment with Chemical & Engineering Services to work at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing after retiring from Purdue Farms, Inc. where he worked for twenty years working as a Line Leader and a certified Wastewater Operator. With C& E, Tony continued an impressive streak of proficiency, attendance, and notable devotion to job and colleagues. Tony quickly learned how to navigate "D.C. driving" and found a favorite route to the job a job he absolutely enjoyed.

Tony was a proud member of the Knights traveling basketball team. As a member of the Maryland Men's Basketball Association Amateur League, the Knights boasted a national championship and induction into the league's Basketball Hall of Fame. Tony found joy in the sustained relationships with the team's coach and teammates, and beamed while often sharing stories of their wide travels and achievements.

Tony was raised a Master Mason on May 31, 1997 with Unionville Lodge #45 Free & Accepted Masons of Pocomoke, Maryland where he maintained twenty-four years of active membership. Tony went on to become 32nd degree Consistorian of King David 284 Salisbury, Maryland. He has served as Right Worshipful Master on the 8th Masonic District staff fulfilling the role of treasurer. Tony wouldn't even entertain remitting his membership to a different lodge after moving from the Eastern Shore, but instead, found it not a sacrifice to commute in support of the lodge and fellowship with his brothers.

Tony strongly encouraged men within his sphere of influence to complete prostate and colon cancer screenings as he credited early detection and surgery to his overcoming the disease. While facing several medical and physical conditions later in this life, Tony met each one with prayer and faith for Jesus to "fix it" through whatever means He saw fit. He frequently stated that he did not intend to go anywhere soon, but knew that when he did, he would be "on his way home" to be with the Lord, his loved ones and to prepare to meet those coming after him on the other side.

Anthony D. Hughes leaves to cherish with fond memories: an adoring and devoted wife, Cynthia Lilly-Hughes; a daughter, Tatiana Burgess; a stepdaughter and grandaughter, Tamicka and Charley Taylor; a sister, Karen Hayes (Melvin); three brothers, Reginald Hughes, Kevin Hughes (Jacqueline), and Michael Hughes; neices, Rodesha Johnson, Shaneika Hammond, Tyneisha Waters, Taneka Reid, Makeia Edwards, Quinshana Fisher, Dejonay Dargan; great-neice, Taniya Waters, Aliya Fisher, Amira Fisher, Maliya Fisher and Taylor Reid; Godchildren: Al'Toya Jones, Terrance Jones, and Alicia "Moosh" Fisher; nephews: LeAndre'Maye, Jophurius Fisher, Raekwon Maye, Thomas Fisher, Tyjier Cole; Jomier Reid; Mother-in-Law, Quinsona Maye; and a host of cousins, friends, and extended Hurlock United Methodist and Alexander Memorial Baptist Church family. Anthony D. Hughes additionally leaves to honor his memory special friends: Arlton Crawford, Ivan Parker, Gerald Best, Conway Ruda, Ricky Teagle and Booker Evans. Tony is preceded in death by the matriarch and foundation of their family, grandmother Nettie Mae

Family and friends will unite on Friday, December 17, 2021 for visitation at 10 am, until time of service, 11 am at Alexander Memorial Baptist Church, 10675 Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Interment to follow at Heritage Cemetery in Waldorf, MD.