Thomas Hughes

Thomas Erskine Hughes, 96, of Spartanburg, SC passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, the day before his 97th birthday. Born August 4, 1925 in Whitney, SC, he was the son of the late Clyde Erskine and Lala Duncan Hughes. He was predeceased by his sisters, Thelma Bridgeman and Tula Cothran.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 75 years, Betty Gossett Hughes and three children: Doug Hughes (Nancy), Karen Hughes Brown (Eric), and Keith Hughes (Sherry), all of Spartanburg. Tom spent the past 15 months with his wife at White Oak at North Grove. His family dubbed him “Mayor of White Oak.” The staff recently presented him an award - “Best Trouble – Maker.” He loved playing bingo, sharing stories with other residents, walking the halls in his Naval Station Pearl Harbor hat, and taking great care of his wife in the room they shared. They have five grandchildren who have fond memories of “Papa and Ganny”: Reggie Hughes (Rachael), Lee Ann Hughes, Katie Hughes Brune (Chris), Alex Hughes Smith (Jeremy), and Jaymie Hughes; and five great-grandchildren.

Tom was a veteran of WWII and the Korean War and retired from the US Navy in 1964 after 22 years of service. After returning to Spartanburg, he held the position of personnel director for both Spartanburg County and Lockwood Greene Engineers and Executive Director of the South Carolina Residential Care Facilities. He most recently served as Executive Director of the South Carolina Dental Laboratory Association for over 30 years and retired at age 91. Appointed by the governor as a SC State Constable in 1968, he volunteered at the Spartanburg County Coroner’s office as part of his duties and recently transitioned to Honorary Retired Constable – the oldest Constable in the state. He was a member of St. James United Methodist Church.

A Graveside service will be at 11:00 am Friday, August 12, 2022 in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307, conducted by The Rev. Andrew Wolfe.

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel