Obituary of Elmer Jack Hughes

E. Jack Hughes, age 80, of Rominger Road, Banner Elk,and formerly of Hickory Nut Gap, Newland, passed away Sunday morning, February 9th, 2014 at Watauga Medical Center. Born July 19, 1933 in Avery County, he was a son of David Jacob Hughes, Sr. and Viola Johnson Hughes. Jack was a deacon and past member of the choir at the First Baptist Church in Newland. He retired as Emergency Management Co-coordinator for North Carolina, serving 18 counties. Mr. Hughes was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Jim Hunt for his state service. Always active in community affairs, he served as chairman of the Avery County Republican Party and retired from the Newland Fire Department. He was a Shriner and a member of the Linville Masonic Lodge #489, a member of Mountain Glen Golf Club, and a life member of the Elk River Fishing Club. Mr. Hughes served his country as a veteran of the US Army. Survivors include his wife, Lois Eller Hughes; daughter, Deedee Hughes Rominger and husband, Gary, of Banner Elk; granddaughter, Jessica Leigh Hughes of Belews Creek; two grandsons, William Garth Rominger of Banner Elk and Matthew Tyler Bissell of Kitty Hawk; and great-granddaughter, Alyssa Jayla Hughes of Belews Creek; five sisters, Louise Buchanan of Newland, Mary Helen Henley and husband Pete, of Asheville, Sandra Kay Phillips and husband, Clinton, and Betty R. Robbins and husband, Doran, all of Newland, and Lynda Hodges and husband, Pat, of Banner Elk; and two brothers, David Jacob Hughes, Jr. and wife, Norma Ann, of Inca, and Johnny Wayne Hughes and wife, Jackie, of Newland. Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and great-great nieces and great-great nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by a son, Jackie Dean Hughes; his parents; and twin brothers. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at 11 AM at the First Baptist Church in Newland, officiated by Dr. Bill Jones and Rev. Kenneth Lance. Burial will follow in the Whitaker Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 5:30 until 7:30 at the First Baptist Church in Newland. The family suggests memorials to D.A.R.T of Avery County, PO Box 1612, Newland, NC 28657. Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Hughes family.