George Timothy Hughey

George Timothy "Tim" Hughey, 73, passed away on August 23, 2025 (one day before his 74th birthday), leaving behind a life filled with love, learning, and service: to his country, his family, and the stories of those who came before him. Tim was many things, an Air Force captain and commercial pilot, a passionate student of American history and genealogy, a man who loved his dogs, an enthusiastic pickleball player, and above all, a devoted friend, brother, husband, and father.

Tim was born on August 24, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, to Norman Audry Hughey and Audrey Francis O'Rourke. He grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia, and graduated from Indian River High School in 1969. He attended the Virginia Military Institute, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order, Beta Commission. In 1973, he graduated from VMI with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the United States Air Force.

Tim served in the U.S. Air Force from 1974 to 1981, where he trained in T-37 and T-38 aircraft during undergraduate pilot training. Upon completion, he was assigned to the 76th Military Airlift Squadron under the Military Airlift Command, attaining the rank of Captain, and flying C-141A cargo planes across the world. Following his military service, Tim began a 35-year career in commercial aviation. He flew with Piedmont Airlines and retired as an international captain with American Airlines. He often said it was "the best job in the world."

He had a lifelong interest in family heritage and the nation's past, with a particular passion for the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Tim was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution (Norfolk chapter), the Society of the War of 1812, and the Descendants of Mexican War Veterans, and was also a member of Berkley Masonic Lodge #167, Fraternal Order of Eagles #795, the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #464, and the Virginia Country Music Association.

Tim is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Kerri Deloach Hughey; his son, David Benjamin Hughey, and his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Hughey; his sister, Jane Ellen Hughey, and his sister-in-law, Janet Chadwick Hughey; and his grandsons, Alexander William Hatchell-Davis and Nicholas Sawyer "Cole" Hatchell-Davis. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, including his niece, Jennifer Goudie Ogan, to whom he wished to send a special message of love.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Christopher Jason Hatchell; his parents; his sister, Diana Hughey Ewell; and his brother, Norman Edward "Skipper" Hughey. Tim was deeply proud to be David's father, and he wished to leave this message for his son: "I love you, Bud."

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BROOD Basset Hound Rescue of Old Dominion from which two of his favorite dogs, and his favorite grand-dog, were adopted.

A service to celebrate Tim's life will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Graham Funeral Home and Crematory, 1112 Kempsville Road in Chesapeake, Virginia. He will be laid to rest Friday, September 12, at 10 a.m. at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia.

To view the service and to leave a condolence to the family, please visit grahamfuneralhome.com