Joe Marcus Hughes, age 74, of Powdermill, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 8th, 2023. A native of Avery County, he was a son of the late Calvin and Deckie Hopson Hughes. He was also preceded in death by sisters: Juanita Wise and Sharon Hughes and sons: Dennis Hughes, Marcus Hughes and Tylor Cook. Following graduation, Joe joined the US Army, where he went to Vietnam to serve his country as a gunner. He worked for Avery County as a mechanic and was a volunteer firefighter with the Frank Fire Department. Joe was a very talented mechanic who could build anything and loved to fish, hunt and spending time with his family. He and Tammy still had “date night” where he loved dancing with her to the song “Tennessee Whiskey”.
Surviving is his loving wife, Tammy Owens Hughes; children: Mark Hughes, Shane Hughes, Jeannette Hughes, Pasana Gurley, Joe Allen Hughes, Monica Sheppard (Matthew), Keisha Cook (Hilario Garcia), Junior Cook (Samantha Burleson), Calvin Cook and Myra Cook; sisters: Becky Wise (Kenny) of Burnsville, Carron Puttman (Gene) of Roan Mountain, TN and Nichole Gilpin (Matthew) of Spanish Oak and brother, Chubby Hughes of Roaring Creek. Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other extended family also survive.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 in the Hughes Hill Cemetery at 1200 Powdermill Creek Road, Newland, NC 28657. Rev. Chris Nance will officiate with Military Honors conducted by the Pat Ray Post #4286 D.A.V. Pallbearers will be: Caleb McKinney, Shannon Tolbert, Jordan Gilpin, Triton Wise, Matthew Gilpin, John Proffitt, Garrett Sparks, Cory Jones and Gabriel Wise. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
