Surrounded by his family, George Jefferson Hughes, Jr., 81, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 25 at Upper Valley Medical Center following a lengthy illness. He was born August 11, 1934 in Lebanon, Virginia to the late George W. and Gladys Monk Hughes. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Shirley Hughes and Nancy Gates; one brother, Bobby Hughes and one niece, Cassie Jean Hughes. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Audra Jerlene "Jeri" Litton Hughes and one daughter Carolyn (Mark) Deal of Casstown; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Eric) Jimenez of Troy, Stephanie (Ryan) Crawford of Tipp City, Nathaniel (Nicole) Deal of Troy, and Joshua Deal of Troy; two great grandchildren, Claire Noelle Crawford and Grant Michael Crawford; one brother, Jack Hughes of Tennessee and several nieces and nephews.

George was a member of the Lighthouse Holiness Chapel of Troy and the Troy Fish and Game Club. He retired from Hobart Corporation after 42 years of service and worked part-time for Quality Feed and U-Haul for 25 years. He enjoyed going to flea markets and buying, trading and selling collectibles of all kinds. He was well known throughout the area as a horse trader and antique dealer and loved driving his 55 Chevy, but most of all, he enjoyed being with his family and friends. He will be remembered fondly for his sharp wit and unique sense of humor.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 31 at 11:30 a.m. at Baird Funeral Home in Troy with Rev. Kevin Wilt and Rev. Dale Adkins officiating. Interment will follow at Casstown Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 30 from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Miami County or to the Lighthouse Holiness Chapel of Troy. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Miami County and to Dr. Irina Gendler for their loving care.