Donald Robert Hughes, (96), of Franklin, left his earthly body his own way in his sleep with two of his children by his side in Franklin, Tennessee on June 3, 2024. The golf-loving father was a member of the unofficial ORBs (Old Retired Bastards) Golfing Club, where he was known as “down the middle Don” and even had a place on the 7th hole named “Hughes Hollow.”
Don was born in Kenosha, WI to Stanley and Cornelia Hughes on April 17, 1928. He went to Mary D. Bradford High School, where he was a member of the swim team, specializing in the 75-meter individual medley and 100-meter breaststroke, earning his letter.
He married the love of his life, Nita, on December 16, 1955, in Atlanta, GA. He was a salesman and sales manager for Simmons Company for nearly 40 years.
He was a veteran of the NAVY, signing up near the end of WWII at age 17, stationed in San Diego, CA.
Don is preceded in death by parents Stanley and Cornelia Hughes; his wife of 33 years and mother of his three children, Barbara Juanita “Nita” Hughes (aka “Huggies”); brother, Richard Hughes; and sister-in-law, Joyce Hughes.
As the life of every party, he told stories of how he walked a mile to school and back, his teenage years as a soda jerk, a gas station attendant, a roller rink worker and how he took all his dates to see the “submarine races” put on by the Great Lakes Naval Training Station at Alford Beach on Lake Michigan. BTW, there weren’t any “submarine races.”
Don is survived by son, Kevin Hughes (Linda); daughters: Donna Hughes (Doug Becerra) and Mary Beth Hughes; granddaughters: Jennifer Thompson (Brandon) and Olivia Hughes; grandson, Michael Hughes (Lucky); great grandsons: Connor and Logan Thompson; and nephew, David Hughes (Holly).
Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 15 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Franklin, TN with Monna Mayhall of St. Paul’s, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial donations may be sent to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Franklin, TN.
Don’s family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the angels at Charter Senior Living, Heart ‘N Soul Hospice, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Franklin, the OG Coffee Click and Junior Clickers, the ORBs and everyone who loved him. We love you, more than you’ll ever know. Hope you’re on the course, shooting under par. From rough patches to smooth greens, may your journey be epic.