Richard M. "Dick" Hughes

1936 - 2025

Richard M. "Dick" Hughes

December 17, 1936 - December 9, 2025

Richard M. "Dick" Hughes, 88, a Salem native residing in Roanoke County, Va., passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

Dick was best known as a humble and naturally gifted common sense architect that loved his work and the people around him. He left his fingerprint on hundreds of buildings throughout the region. He founded the firm of Hughes Associates Architects and Engineers; he devoted himself to his work, his family and clients.

Dick was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Salem where he helped with many of their building projects. He was a charter member of both the Blue Ridge Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and Construction Specifications Institute. He served as a director of both, winning the AIA Distinguished Service Award. He was named to the 2003 Salem Educational Foundation Hall of Fame, was appointed to the American Arbitration Association's Panel of Arbitrators, the Roanoke Valley and Homebuilders Advisory Council. He cherished his long-time membership and service in the Salem Rotary Club. Dick loved sports and enjoyed his involvement coaching youth basketball for many years.

He graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in Salem, completed a professional certificate program at Richmond Professional Institute (RPI) where he was introduced to the study of architecture. He served his military commitment in the United States Army then enrolled in the School of Architecture at Virginia Tech. He was an avid Hokie.

Dick is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Juanita; sons, Richard Jr. (Jamie) and Jeffrey; and granddaughter, Brittnie. Also, he loved our precious dog, Scruffy.

He was predeceased by his father, William T. Hughes; his mother, Mildred Kennett; and a brother, William T. Hughes Jr. of Monticello, Ga.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at First United Methodist Church. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church, 125 West Main Street, Salem, VA 24153. Condolences may be shared with his family by visiting www.Oakeys.com.