Rev. Dr. Robert Hughes

PEMBROKE, Ga. -- The Rev. Dr. Robert Garland Hughes, a devoted family man, esteemed educator and committed community leader, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, at the age of 88.
Born in Collins, Georgia, Robert dedicated his life to service through his roles as a professor, minister and civic leader in both Georgia and Virginia.
Robert was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and learning through his surviving family members: his son, Duncan Hughes, and wife, Melissa, of Clarkesville, Georgia; his daughters, Brenda Muterspaugh and husband, Dale, of Clifton Forge, Virginia; and Robin Schroeder and husband, Eric, of Blountville, Tennessee. He was a proud grandfather to 12 grandchildren, Ryan Muterspaugh (Emily), Erin Clark (Chris), Robin Powell (Ryan), Heather Anderson (Tory), Kara Hughes (Kenny York), Kalee Hughes (Ben Strickland), Kadie King, Laura Bruce (Sabrina), Christopher Smith (Sara), Holly McGowan (Andrew), Elizabeth Hughes and Charles Hughes; and a doting great-grandfather to 17 great-grandchildren.
Robert is also survived by his brothers, Glen Hughes (Judy) and Pat Hughes (Vicki); his sisters, Valerie Hughes, Pamela Drazich (Rod) and Peggy Tate; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 52 years, Ruth Virgene DuBois Hughes; his parents, Jasper Garland Hughes and Winnie Davis Fanning Hughes; his sons, Robert Norman Hughes and John Mark Hughes; his sister, Terry VanGiller; and brothers, David, Jesse, Don, Russell and Joe Hughes.
Robert's dedication to education and community was evident in his career as a professor of adult education at Georgia Southern University and as an adjunct professor of English at Savannah Technical College and Brewton Parker College.
As a leader at the Youth Challenge Academy at Fort Stewart, he inspired countless young people to achieve their potential. Additionally, his ministry work spanned decades, having pastored three churches after his ordination in 1960, Iron Gate Advent Christian Church in Iron Gate, Virginia; Oak Grove Advent Christian Church in Bath County, Virginia; and Pembroke Advent Christian Church in Pembroke, Georgia.
His passion for service extended into the military as well, having served honorably in the U.S. Air National Guard and Reserve.
His commitment to community continued through his involvement with the Kiwanis Club, the Savannah Ogeechee Canal Society as a former canal master and the Boy Scouts, where he served as a Scoutmaster.
A visitation will be held at Flanders Powell Funeral Home & Crematory in Pembroke, Ga., on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert's name may be made to the food bank program at Bryan County Family Connection, a cause he passionately supported, at 40 South Industrial Boulevard, Pembroke, Georgia 31321.
Robert's life was a testament to his unwavering faith, commitment to education and service to his community.
Arrangements are under the care of Flanders Powell Funeral Home & Crematory.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bryan County News
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
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