Willie Gene "Bud" Hughes

Bud Hughes, age 88, passed peacefully on May 15th, 2025. He was the son of the late Roy Soloman and Julie McMahan Hughes. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Mary Ann Bruce; twin brother, Billy Dean Hughes; infant brother, Richard Gail Hughes; brother, Jackie Hughes; and son-in-law, Mike Boone.
He attended Burnsville Elementary, then finished his education while in the service. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in France and Germany during the Berlin Wall Crisis. He continued four more years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve before beginning his civilian life. At that time, he met and married his wife of 62 years, Patsy Thomas.
Bud also loved watching Tarheel basketball, and Sundays were meant for all his family to gather and watch NASCAR. When in good health, he most enjoyed time fishing at Lake James, alongside his friends Dennis Fox and Coy Gibbs. Fridays were special for him to spend time with his brother, Johnny, who gladly picked him up and spent the day riding around, seeing all kinds of stuff. This was always the highlight of his week. He enjoyed attending church at Windom United Methodist as often as his condition would allow, and truly loved the Lord.
Bud was an automotive mechanic all his life, and was respected for his knowledge and honesty county-wide. He loved people and, after retiring as a mechanic, he opened up Bud's A/C and Brake, which was an inspection station as well. He enjoyed running this business because it gave him the opportunity to be with and interact with the people of Yancey County, as well as meeting new people who relocated here. He ran this business for several years until he had to finally retire.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Patsy Thomas Hughes; his daughters: Myra Hughes Byrd and husband, Rick, and Jennifer Hughes Boone; and son: Matthew Hughes; grandchildren: Zach Byrd and wife, Kacey; William Byrd, Morganne Boone, Grayson Hughes and Lauren Hughes; great-grandchildren: Mikenlee Boone, Alyviah Byrd and Mason Hyde; sisters: Brenda Silver and Jeannette Silver; and brothers: Johnny Hughes and wife, Betty, and Timothy Hughes and wife, Margaret. Many nephews and nieces survive as well.
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life. He will be greatly missed by all. The family would like to extend their great appreciation to Jennifer Yelton, Sabrina Woody, and others in their field who were involved for the wonderful care given to Bud.
Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 22nd at Pete Young Cemetery. Pastor Dwight Boone will officiate with music provided by Debbie Phillips.