Richard Hughes, 84, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Fellowship Home. He was born in Columbus, Georgia, on September 9, 1942, to the late William “PeeWee” Harvey Hughes, Jr., and Dorothy Martin Hughes.

After his family moved to Clyattville in the mid-1950s, Mr. Hughes attended Clyattville High School and later continued his education at a junior college in the Carolinas. Following high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War. Rather than serving aboard a ship, he was assigned to military hospitals, where he worked as an EKG technician. After his military service, he continued working in hospitals at Fort Benning for several years before relocating to Charleston, South Carolina. He made Charleston his home for more than 50 years and spent much of that time working in the laboratory at the University of South Carolina.

Beyond his career in the medical field, Mr. Hughes pursued his artistic interests as an antique furniture restorer and an accomplished artist. He enjoyed painting, drawing, carving, and illustration. He also loved fishing and came to know Jesus later in life.

Mr. Hughes is survived by his siblings, Andrew Hughes, of Valdosta; William (Bill) Harvey Hughes, III (Charo), of Cherry Lake, Florida; and Dianne Franks (Frank), of Valdosta; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.