Sammy E. Hughes

Captain SAMMY E. HUGHES, born the eldest son of Rex W. and Thelma Hughes on Sept. 24, 1936, passed into eternity on June 15, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents. Sammy grew up in Huffman, Ark., attended Armorel High School and received his associate's degree from Arkansas State University, Jonesboro. He then returned home to work with his father on the family farm and with the Corp of Engineers. In August of 1966, Sammy married Brenda Kaye White then began his over 35 year career with Coastal Towing. Sammy and Brenda had three daughters, Rhonda Kaye, Leah Jan, and Hallee Samantha. Sammy made great sacrifices to provide for his family and was a loving and devoted father, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. To his grandchildren, Kristin, Jessica, Rex and Shelby, and his great-grandson, Korbin, he was known as Daddy Sam. Daddy Sam loved his grandchildren with a great passion. His family awaited each return home, with a celebration sure to follow with fried chicken, bread and gravy, and great fanfare! In his formidable years he was known for his quick wit and quick feet, often able to win a foot race and outwit a person in a single bound. He was a man of many interests, most importantly his family, but also golf, astronomy, history, the Razorbacks and oceanography. He was a proud Mason, a brother of the Chickasawba Lodge No. 134. While navigating the Mississippi River, he was known to write great letters that delighted his children and grandchildren, including illustrations that were never less than hilarious. Sammy was the type of man that children loved, fun and adventurous, and if he wasn't teasing you, he probably didn't like you. Later in life Sammy found a church family and friends at West Sherman Baptist Church in Sherman, Texas, who became very dear to him. In 2011, Sammy returned to central Arkansas to be closer to his family, who were fortunate enough to be with him when he was called Home. Memories and thoughts will fill our hearts every day, and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his three daughters, Rhonda Oswalt, Leah Hughes and Hallee Hughes; the mother of his children, Brenda Hughes; four grandchildren, Kristin Alberson, Jessica Oswalt, Rex Oswalt and Shelby Oswalt; one great-grandchild, Korbin Parnell; two sisters, Patty Counce and Jan Hughes, and his nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A service to celebrate his life was held June 18 at the home of his daughter Hallee Hughes, and our family is deeply grateful to all who have been with us as we grieve. The family will be scattering his ashes in his beloved Mississippi River at a later date. Online obituary www.SmithFamilyCares.com.