Dr. John Archer Hughes

John Archer Hughes, 81, went to be with the Lord on June 23, 2023. He loved living, learning, traveling, and being a dentist. He was devoted to his family and to his faith.
John was born to Marjorie Cleveland Hughes and John Gentry Hughes in Atlanta, Georgia on February 17, 1942. He loved to visit his grandparents in Fort Valley where they grew peaches. He was industrious, curious, and enjoyed building and fixing things. He attended Murphy High School, and then Baylor University from 1960-1962. He went to Georgia State from 1962-1965, and then in 1968, he earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee Dental College in the good company of some fellow students who became life-long friends.
John practiced dentistry for close to 50 years. He was a member of dental organizations and pursued continuing education in orthodontics, TMJ, implants, cosmetic dentistry, and cranio-osteopathy. He was President of the Atlanta Craniomandibular Society. He was also a Fellow in both the Academy of General Dentistry and the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics. He was so fortunate to have long-term, supportive, and loyal office staff members.
John's family was of utmost importance to him. He and his wife Jean enjoyed creating their life together, especially living on the lake in Conyers. They supported their children and grandchildren with focus and generosity: attending music programs, soccer games, college events, and many performances. John's generosity extended to his patients, his colleagues, his friends, and people in need. He helped people cover their dental costs to get the care they needed. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club in Forest Park. He volunteered his time and dental skills to clinics in the Atlanta area and Peachtree City, and he served on mission trips to Honduras and the Dominican Republic.
John was a stalwart Christian who lived his faith. He led family devotions. He grew up in White Oak Hills Baptist Church, attended Second Baptist Church in Memphis, was a member of Heritage Hills Baptist Church, then Conyers First United Methodist Church, and most recently Monroe First United Methodist Church. He served as a leader in these churches, but one of the most transformative ministries for him was the Kairos Prison Ministry. One of his friends said he was the biggest spokesperson for the Kairos Ministry. He shared his faith with many people, and the connections he made ministered to him in return. He also participated in the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship and supported One Heart Ministries with his leadership and gifts.
An avid reader, John read the Bible first and then everything else. He had so many interests: theology, spirituality, alternative medicine, self-development, physics, nutrition, sustainable architecture, and Christian mysticism. He was always interested in cutting-edge ideas and innovation. He was committed to helping others with his wealth of knowledge. He loved adventures and traveling. He enjoyed kayaking, hiking, caving, whitewater rafting, fishing, deer hunting, home projects, and traveling. He took his family to see so much of the United States, and he loved taking his grandchildren on beach trips. Some of his favorite trips included rafting on the Colorado River and trips with his wife to Australia, Greece, Hawaii, and the Holy Land. One highlight was the bicycle ride down the mountain of Haleakala 3 times, and the third time was on their 45th anniversary.
John is survived by his wife, Martha Jean Hughes; his children, Joy Hughes (Tom Kilby), Joni McCulloch (Russell), John C. Hughes (Megan); his grandchildren Ella Stevens, Jenna McCulloch, Michael McCulloch, and Elijah Hughes; his brother, Bill Hughes (Nancy); his sister Cheryl Jennings, and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his son-in-law Kurt Stevens. John also loved dogs, and he is survived by his yellow lab, Jack.
The family would like to thank John's doctors, nurses, and all who helped him in his health journey of the last two years, especially Morgan Medical Center and Bridgeway Hospice. They are also grateful to Sheldon Landy for the final sermon and prayers over John and his family and to Randy Byrd and Jim Meunier for their help with the service.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 am, Monday, June 26, 2023 at Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, Georgia, 30012. The visitation will be just before the service from 10:00-11:00 am at Scot Ward. A lunch will follow at the Conyers First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 921 North Main Street, 30012. After the lunch, the entombment will be at Caldwell and Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, Covington, Georgia 30014. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Bigger Vision Shelter, 95 North Avenue, Athens, GA 30601 or to a church or charity of your choice.
Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.