Andre Clarence Hughes

Born on January 11, 1966, in Panama City, Panama, Andre Clarence Hughes was the eldest of
three to his mother Eather V. Hughes, who preceded him in death. Baptized at a young age and
later ordained in the Church of God in Christ, Andre spent his formative years in Detroit,
Michigan. A talented musician, he played the saxophone in the Cody High School band. Beyond
his musical pursuits, Andre developed a passion for photography and fishing.
Demonstrating an early sense of responsibility, Andre began working at a grocery store at the
tender age of fourteen. His dedication to education led him to THE Hampton University, where
he earned a Bachelors of Science in Finance in 1993. Following an internship at the Chicago
Board of Options, Andre established CMB, the first Black-owned options group at the CBO. His
entrepreneurial spirit and financial acumen led to significant success.
A lifelong advocate for physical health and sports, Andre achieved a black belt in judo and
secured a third-place finish in a national tournament. He instilled a love of athletics in his two
sons, founding several youth basketball programs, including the Vipers and Evolution. He also
coached a girls' basketball team, the Truth.
Andre's love story began with Phyrat Samret, whom he married in 2018. Together, they
relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, in 2020, where Andre served as a VP at Cantor Fitzgerald. A
passionate outdoorsman, Andre cherished his time spent fishing, golfing, and shooting. Most of
all, he loved spending quality moments with his beloved wife and his two sons.
On August 28, 2024, Andre transitioned after a courageous battle with heart challenges. He
leaves behind a lasting legacy and is deeply mourned by his loving wife, Phyrat Samret; two
sons, Andre Jaylin Hughes and Antonio Gabriel Hughes; three sisters, Roxanne Pettis, Nikka
Royston, and Kimberly Moore; one brother, Antonio Richardson; nephews, Reggie Pettis and LJ
Royston; nieces, Andrea Pettis, Renita Pettis, Ashleigh Pettis, and Heaven Royston, and aunts,
Aunt Zelia (Ralph) Rayner and Aunt Cecelia Ann Glover. And additionally a host of siblings, cousins,
great-nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Eula Mae Hunter, he was the apple of
her eye. He was also preceded in death by his aunts, Francine Peterson, Cynthia Jackson, &
Donna Taylor.
A funeral service will be held at 6 pm on Friday, September 6, 2024 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home.
A visitation will precede the service from 4-6 pm. For those unable to attend, the services will be live-streamed by going to https://iframe.dacast.com/live/2a7a09ae1c0559a83ef537e05e6a14a6/2aae7d5f-98fd-a9e6-32a7-b774547cf42c.