Millard O'Neil Hughes Jr. Jr.

Millard O'Neil Hughes Jr., lovingly known as "Neil," of Kinston, North Carolina, passed away at his home on June 20, 2025, at the age of 55.

A memorial service to honor Neil's life will be held at Sharon United Methodist Church in Kinston on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of a man who lived with a larger than life personality.

Born in Kinston on July 20, 1969, Neil spent his entire life in the community he cherished. He was the son of Ruth Howard of Deep Run and Millard Hughes Sr. of Kinston.

Neil's strong work ethic and unwavering dedication were evident to all who knew him. He served his community with pride-first as a Produce Manager at Winn Dixie and Piggly Wiggly, where he made some of his favorite memories working alongside his best friends Pat Delaney and Dail Carlyle. Later, he spent over 20 years as a Route Sales Representative with Frito-Lay. He truly valued the relationships he built with customers and coworkers, always showing up with a story, a laugh, and a smile.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 34 years, Sheri Hughes, and his children Emleigh Appel (husband David) and Stewart Hughes (wife Ariana). Also surviving him are his parents, Ruth Howard and Millard Hughes Sr (wife Carol); his sister Lori Wetherington (husband Lee) and their daughters Paige and Anna; sister-in-law Christel Carlyle (husband Dail) and their children Sadie and Jared; brother-in-law Alan Stewart (wife Kristina) and their daughter Zoe; along with many cherished aunts, close friends, step-siblings, cousins, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lake C. Howard and Saphronie Casper; paternal grandparents, Walter Hughes and Lillian Adams; and his in-laws, Linda and Bobby Stewart, along with a beloved host of aunts, uncles, and close friends.

Neil had a deep love for music and could often be found singing along to Journey, Guns N' Roses, Pink Floyd, Alabama, Hank Williams Jr., and "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire. A devoted barbecue enthusiast, he was always experimenting with recipes and searching for the perfect flavor to wow his family. He had a sharp eye for photography, constantly on the lookout for the right angle, and loved attending air shows-especially when the Blue Angels were flying. He was a lifelong NASCAR supporter, faithfully cheering for his favorite driver, Rusty Wallace. He loved bonding with his children over their favorite sports teams-he could tell you anything about any of them.

Above all, Neil will be remembered as a goofball with a big heart who loved to laugh and make others laugh-especially his wife, Sheri. Though he claimed not to want any pets, he formed a special bond with his cat, Yam, who chose him anyway and quickly became his shadow. He was unapologetically himself and embraced life, his passions, and the people he loved with open arms and full volume.

Arrangements made by www.edwardsfhc.com