Ronald "Ronny" Goff Hughes

 

Ronald “Ronny” Goff Hughes, aged 73, peacefully departed from this world on November 22, 2023, in Franklin, Tennessee. Born on September 17, 1950, in Scotts Hill, Tennessee, Ronny’s life was a testament to love, family, and dedication.

Ronny is survived by his wife, Pat Tyler Hughes, his brother Rick, his sisters-in-law Luna, Ruth, and Judy, his children Ami, Brian (Melanie), and Julie (Rick), his grandchildren Spencer, Hayden (Nikki), Carsyn, and Emersyn, and great-granddaughter Carter Rose. Ronny now joins his parents, Fred Rogers Hughes and Melba Goff Hughes, as well as his brothers Bobby Hughes and Keith Hughes.

Before Ronny could even drive a car, he was the lead singer and guitarist for his popular band, "The Prodigys", which included his older brother Keith (drums), his younger brother Rick (bass), and their good friend Larry Johnson (keyboards). Ronny attended Scotts Hill High School, and after writing the title song for an Eddie Arnold album, he was able to afford his collegiate studies at Peabody School of Music at Vanderbilt University. Throughout his education, he continued to cultivate his passion in becoming a professional musician.

Ronny was quickly discovered for his abilities and was soon playing bass with various artists, including Hank Williams Jr., David Wilkins, Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass, Jerry Reed, Porter Waggoner, Vic Willis, and many others. He spent three years as lead singer on the Grand Ole Opry with The Vic Willis Trio. During his time on the Opry, Ronny also transitioned to being a full-time studio bass player, songwriter, and publisher. He played and worked with many of Nashville’s best musicians, singers, and songwriters. Ronny was a critical part of hundreds of Nashville’s most beloved melodies enjoyed to this day.

Ronny enjoyed being a part of the worship team in many different churches, including Jenkins Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Christ Church Pentecostal, Christ Community Church, Epworth United Methodist Church, Harris Chapel United Methodist Church, and his final worship home at Riverside Fellowship in Franklin, Tennessee. The church sanctuary provided him with an opportunity to share his love for the Lord through his songs. Ronny cherished sharing his music with his church family, finding solace and a sense of community in these moments.

In his leisure time, Ronny indulged in various hobbies and activities that brought him joy and fulfillment. His enthusiasm for life was contagious, and his warm presence brightened the lives of those around him. Beyond his musical pursuits, Ronny’s artistic side found a second outlet in building custom homes, designed by his son Brian, in Middle Tennessee. His passion for creating extended beyond melodies; it was both seen and heard through his immeasurable artistic gifts.

Ronny’s life will be honored on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin, Tennessee. Doors will be open for visitation from 1 pm to 3 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3 pm.

In memory of Ronny, the family kindly requests that charitable contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. As we bid farewell to Ronny, let us remember him as a devoted husband, a cherished brother, a loving father, a doting grandfather, and a beacon of light in our lives. May his memory be a blessing, and may his soul find eternal peace. And if Heaven has guitars, he is surely playing one right now (right after he tunes it).