William Thomas (Tom) Hughes, Jr.

“So, my dear friend, this isn’t goodbye forever, just for now. Until we meet again, I will carry your laughter in my heart, your wisdom in my choices, and your love in my soul.”

-Joe Mott

William Thomas (Tom) Hughes, JR, a loving husband, father, and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, following an extended illness.

Born in October 1946, Tom was the son of Bill and Lois Hughes. Growing up in rural Oklahoma, he had fond memories of fishing and hunting quail with his father and their Brittany Spaniels. He attended Woodward High School, where he was often found engaged in shenanigans with his best friend Joe.

Tom attended Oklahoma State University following high school. Midway through his degree program, he enlisted in the Navy where he served as a Radar Operator aboard the Patapsco-class tanker, USS Mattabesset. After being honorably discharged, Tom returned to college and graduated with honors in 1969. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

For 36 years, Tom worked for MGIC Mortgage Insurance, where he retired as Vice President and Managing Director in the Southeast United States and Puerto Rico. He was beloved by his co-workers who appreciated his quick wit and integrity. Tom especially enjoyed visiting his friends/customers in Puerto Rico, where he was known to Salsa and Merengue the night away with his wife.

A lover of animals, Tom had an extreme affection for the family’s English Cocker Spaniel Rosie, Annie the cat, and their Labradoodle Mattie, as well as their adopted dog Beau.

Marrying his high school sweetheart on September 3, 1967, they raised two children, Tim and Susan; later relocating from Edmond, Oklahoma to Roswell, Georgia. Tom took great pride in being a loving husband and father; his care and adoration for them were evident in everything he did.

Tom is survived by his wife of 59 years, Leta Faye Hughes, his son Tim, his daughter Susan (James), his sister Jan Oppliger (Terry), and many nieces and nephews. In addition to relatives, Tom is also survived by his brother from another mother, Joe Mott, and sister from another mister, Sherri Mott.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Lois Hughes, his sister, Carol Ball, his son (Robert), and daughter (Sarah).

Memorial services will be held for family and close friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.