Joseph Rhea Hughes

Joseph Rhea "Ray" Hughes, 77, of Kingsport, TN, passed away January 19th, 2024, as a result of End Stage Alzheimer's.
He was a devoted husband and loving dad and papaw. If you had the pleasure of knowing or meeting him then you would know he was one of the most kindhearted, sweet, gentle, genuinely happy men that you could have ever met. Ray was one-of-a-kind; he never met a stranger. He was a good ole country boy who had a special knack for "negotiating and making profitable trades" on items he wanted such as tractors, vehicles, knives, and anything else that might spark an interest. He was always willing to help others. Ray retired from Sullivan County Highway Department where he greatly enjoyed operating heavy equipment.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Lodoath (Harper) Hughes; Brothers, Abner Hughes and Jim Hughes; Sisters, Mary Hughes, Sarah Patterson and Nina Shelton; Mother-in-law, Willa Dean Cunningham; Sister-in-Law, Lena Marie Carpenter.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Norma Hughes; his daughters, who meant the world to him, Tammy Boling and Melissa Hughes; "Little Brother" Ralph Hughes (Peggy); Brother-in-Law, Ed Cunningham (Carol); Sister-in-law, Elaine McVey; Grandchildren, Dillon Boling and Kacie Boling who brought joy to his heart; as well as many nieces and nephews that he adored. In addition to family...Ray had many friends that he loved dearly and 5 feline friends that brought a smile to his face.
A special thanks to Smoky Mountain Hospice as well as Senior Solutions, both of which provided compassionate, loving employees who assisted the family in caring for Ray throughout the Alzheimer's journey.
Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7 PM on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Trinity Memorial Centers, 1221 Stewball Circle, Kingsport, TN, with funeral services immediately following. A graveside committal will be held at 11AM on Friday, January 26, 2024, at East Lawn Memorial Park, 4997 Memorial Blvd., Kingsport, TN 37664. Pall bearers are Dillon Boling, Ed Smith, Steve Wilson, Dan Taylor and Jimmy Neely. Honorary pall bearers are Ralph Hughes, Dan Hughes and Ed Cunningham.
This obituary is lovingly written by the Hughes family. Trinity Memorial Centers (423-723-8177) is honored to serve them.