~Kisses on the Wind ~
Time heals all wounds, so they say... but I have one that never goes away. The loss of you has left a spot, deep in my heart that time forgot. I miss you more with each passing day. Soon we will be back together, I pray. I cherish the honor of being your wife! Thank you for being the love of my life! I remember every word, touch and kiss; these things my heart continues to miss. To know you’re watching me from above, causes my heart to swell with love! So, my dear William, ‘til we meet again, feel my kisses on the wind... Love Always,
Elizabeth
Dear Great-Granddad
Family
Tributes
Thank you for being the greatest. You seriously were always there in my corner whenever I needed you. I never ever ever had to question your love, your support, or your faith. Thank you so much for showing me what is it like to keep God first, truly love on your family, be there and do for others as you would want them to do for you, and live such an abundant life that impacted everyone around you. I already miss the punch bowl cakes, taking you to your favorite restaurant, Red Lobster, the phone calls to tell me what you heard on the news, the rattling of the newspaper in the living room from your daily reads, the smell of the BBQ pit going in the backyard while you prepared deliveries for friends and family, and of course the push up showdowns to let us all know you could still drop down and give us 50 with no problem! These days have been and may continue to be hard and very emotional without you. However, I know although you are gone from this worldly place, you are rejoicing in such beautiful eternity as you deserve. You showed me what a life well lived looks like. I love you forever!
Tierra
To My Great Granddad
Thank you for all the laughs, birthday cards, and lessons you’ve taught me. I can still hear you saying “Hey sweet child” whenever I walked into the room. I love you so much granddad.
Taylor
Big Daddy
We are so heartbroken that you are gone. You were always so selfless and caring, always putting our wellbeing before your own. You made sure we were always loved and reminded us that you would always be there for us. The same way we were always in your heart, you will always be in ours. We love you so much!!!
William Jr., MiKayla and McKenzie
Big Daddy
You were a man of true LOVE. What a man you were full of wisdom, dignity and pride. You embodied the personalization of patience, a sea of knowledge and an ocean of experience. You were the epitome of how great and unselfish it was to put your family first. You had the biggest heart with the most caring touch which you shared with so many of us. What can I say!? You were truly a special person to me and I will never forget all of the special moments that we shared. I truly appreciate the advice that you gave and I take it with immerse gratitude. Big Daddy, you have earned your wings and now it’s time to fly. Yes, it hurts because no one is ever ready to say goodbye; but Heaven has truly gained an angel to watch over us... helping to lead and guide us through the rest of our lives. Thank you for everything! Rest in Paradise !!!
Michelle
Life Reflections
William Hughes’ journey began March 8, 1932, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was born the son of the late Walter & Josie Hughes and was one of eight children. He was a 1950 graduate of the historic Booker T. Washington High School and was an honor student & Class President. He attended Shelby State Community College & Memphis State University focusing on Law Enforcement Investigation. His experiences as a member of the Boy Scouts of America planted a zeal in his life for excellence in every endeavor. William confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. He was particularly influenced by his high school principal and former pastor Elder Blair T. Hunt. During his adult years he was a member of Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Walker Memorial Christian Church, & Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (MBCC). While at MBCC, he served as an Elder & Trustee, Past Moderator, & Church Business Administrator. He was a faithful member of Anointed Temple of Praise under the leadership of Dr. Thomas L. Murray for more than 15 years. After William completed his college studies, he began a career with Shelby County Government and identified many opportunities for advancement. In 1960, he was appointed as one of the first four black deputies to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. He also achieved the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, & Jail Inspector, and
he worked as Assistant Chief/Internal Affairs Bureau for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. Later in his career he served as Director of Fire and Corrections and as Superintendent of the Shelby County Penal Farm. Other notable achievements throughout his career included serving as Court Security Officer for the United States Marshall Service, graduating from the 114th session of the FBI National Academy at the University of Virginia (1977), and graduating from the United States Secret Service Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. In 1978, William attended the Dignitary Protection Seminar at The White House, and he served as a Board Member for 911 of Shelby County. As a respected community leader, William was affiliated with a number of prestigious organizations, to include Prince Hall Free Enterprise of Masons (32nd Degree), Noble Shriner, Walker Homes Civic Club, NAACP (Lifetime Member), Fraternal Order of Police, Shelby County Retirement Board, Shelby County Federal Credit Union (Secretary), and Boy Scouts of America (where he served as a Troop Master). Throughout his lifetime, William accomplished a number of things that were widely recognized & acknowledged. In 1974, he was recognized as “Lawman of the Year” by the Civitan Club of Memphis. In 1977 he was named “Most Outstanding Deputy Sheriff” by the Memphis & Shelby County Bar Association. He was the first African American Assistant Chief in Law Enforcement in Tennessee and the second African American graduate of the FBI National Academy from Tennessee. William was also the first African American Superintendent of the Shelby County Corrections Center and the first Director of Fire & Corrections with Shelby County Government. He served as past Entertainment Committee member for the FBI National Academy Associates Section II and he served as mentor to several aspiring leaders who went on to accomplish great things. William’s legacy boldly reflects the importance of love & support for family. He was passionate about serving the needs of family, church & the community. William went home to be with the Lord on May 15, 2022, at Methodist Hospital - Germantown. He was preceded in death by his parents & siblings: Charles Morris, Freda Jackson, Walter Hughes, Jr., Katie Mae Robinson, Inez Harris, Harold Hughes, & Emma Hayes. The most influential & moral support during his adult life has come from his wife of 73 years, Elizabeth. To this union three children were born: Alonzo, Belinda, & William Reginald, who have all preceded him in death. To cherish his outstanding legacy, William leaves, his beloved wife Elizabeth; two grandchildren: William Daveriel Hughes, Sr. (Michelle) and Elizabeth Merriwether (Rodney); five great-grandchildren: Tierra Askew (Aaron), William Daveriel Hughes, Jr., MiKayla Hughes, Taylor Merriwether, & McKenzie Hughes; three special sisters-in-law: Mary Lance, Pauline Jones, and Daisy Travie; one brother in law, Phillip Jones; and a host of other relatives, godchildren and dear friends.
The Order of Service Musical Prelude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Leo H. Davis, Jr. Processional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of William Hughes Scripture Reading Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor Marquis McPherson, Sr. New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elder Edward L. Stanton, II Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Minister Alex Hanna Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Deborah Manning Thomas Acknowledgements & Resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patricia Lipford Musical Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Music Ministry Words of Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson
Reflections of William...
William N. Morris, Former Mayor of Shelby County, Tennessee LaKethia Pope, Neighbor Evangelist Linda K. Patterson, Church Member Pastor Keith L. McGee, Cousin Charles L. Ewing, Sr., Godson Minister Alex Hanna, Godson Jackie Coleman, Goddaughter Rholedia Morgan, Goddaughter Elizabeth Merriwether, Granddaughter Musical Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Music Ministry Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Thomas L. Murray Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of William Hughes
Acknowledgment
Our destination is a place, far greater than we know, For some, the journey’s quicker; for some, the journey’s slow. But when the journey finally ends, we’ll claim a great reward, And find an everlasting peace, together with the Lord. We graciously extend our sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude for the immeasurable kindness and support that we have received during this time. Special thanks to Pastor & First Lady Murray and the ATOP family, Dr. & Mrs. Alvin O’Neal Jackson, Dr. Leo Davis. Jr., Sherriff Floyd Bonner & The Shelby County Sheriffs Office, Shelby County Fire Department, and the Memphis Police Department. May God continue to bless you for your thoughtfulness and love toward us. ~ The Family of William Hughes ~
Mr. Stanley Lipford Mr. Deverick Hanna
Active Pallbearers Mr. Wendell Jackson Mr. Ralph Jackson
Mr. Tony Isabel Mr. David Robinson
Honorary Pallbearers
Mr. William D. Hughes, Sr. Mr. Rodney Merriwether Mr. Leroy Hanna Mr. Joseph Gordon
Mr. Aaron Askew
Interment
Memorial Park Southwoods 5485 Hacks Cross s Memphis, Tennessee 38125
Arrangements Entrusted To
N. J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home 12 South Parkway West s Memphis, TN 38106 s (901) 948-7755 Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124.