Walter Kahnrad Hughes Sr.

1936 - 2023

Walter Kahnrad Hughes, Sr.

June 21, 1936 - April 16, 2023

Walter Kahnrad Hughes Sr., age 86, of Union Hall, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at his home. Walter was born on June 21, 1936, to Walter George Hughes and Alice Nell James in Argyle, Georgia.

In 1954, at the age of 17, Walter joined the Navy to see the world. He served on the flight deck of aircraft carriers. After his enlistment he served for another five years in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He was a proud veteran. Walter earned an associate business degree from Middle Georgia College. He studied industrial management at Georgia Tech. He was a licensed instrument rated private pilot.

Walter Hughes, Sr. married Yvonne Juanita Barker on December 20, 1959. He spent the next 62 years with the love of his life. Yvonne passed away in 2022.

He is survived by their three children, Walter K. Hughes, Jr. (Lisa), A. Terry Hughes (Jennifer), and daughter, Pamela Hughes; seven grandchildren, Melissa (Alex Petersen), Carolyn (Graham Day), Jessica Hughes, Johnathon Hughes, Sydney Hughes, Sara Hughes, and Hannah Hughes. Walter and Yvonne had four great-grandchildren, Charles Day, Benjamin Day, Elizabeth Day and Mackenzie Petersen. He is also survived by his sister, Julia Shipes of Waycross, Georgia and brothers, Curtis and Harry (Ann) Hughes of Manor, Georgia.

Walter began his career with Fleetwood Homes in 1968 in Douglas, Georgia. He moved many times in his career as he was promoted from salesman to sales manager and ultimately to General Manager. In 1980, Fleetwood Homes transferred Walter Hughes to Rocky Mount, Virginia where he served as General Manager until his retirement in 1994. The plant thrived under his leadership.

He was a true leader and respected in his industry. In 1992, Walter helped to establish the Virginia Manufactured and Modular Housing Association (VAMMHA) and served four years as their first chairman. Walter continued to serve on the board for fourteen years. Appointed by five Virginia Governors, he also served on the Virginia Manufactured Housing Board for 20 years.

In 1994, he was inducted into the Virginia Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame. In 2003, he was inducted into the National RV/Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame. As a special tribute, In 2014, VAMMHA created and awarded him the Walter K Hughes, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award. It was named in his honor for future recipients.

Walter Hughes was a past president and very active in the Rocky Mount Rotary Club. Walter and other business leaders started the Annual Independence Celebration at Franklin County High School. He strived to improve local education and vocational training by being on boards and panels at the Franklin County High School and the Gereau Center. He also served as chairman of the Franklin County Economic Development Commission for four years. Many local and regional and state leaders recognize his impact on our community.

Walter and Yvonne joined Franklin Heights Baptist Church when the Union Hall Campus opened six years ago. Walter was proudly re-baptized at their new church. Prior to Franklin Heights they attended Redwood United Methodist Church for thirty-six years.

While he achieved many accolades throughout his lifetime, he gives all the credit to God. He was quick to say that he was a blessed man. He lived a blessed life. He loved and was loved by family, friends, and Fleetwood associates. He will be greatly missed.

The funeral service will be at the Union Hall Campus of Franklin Heights Church, 527 Dillards Hill Road, Union Hall, VA 24176. The time of the service is 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, 2023. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the church in Union Hall in his honor. Reverend Mark Long will be officiating. He was served by Flora Funeral Home in Rocky Mount, Virginia.