CASTLE HAYNE — Stoney Hughes, 76, died Sunday, May 6, 2018, at his home.
Stoney is survived by his loving wife of 58 years. Janice “Pooch” Hughes; daughters, Tammy Hughes and Ranae Roots; and son-in-law, Kurtis Roots, all of Burgaw. He also leaves behind his much-loved grandchildren, Autumn and Kolton Roots; and five much-loved cats.
Stoney and Janice owned and operated Hughes Upholstering Company for 40 years in Wilmington. Within those 40 years, many young men passed through those doors looking for part-time work. Many became like family. One of those is like a son, Tony Martin. While in business, he met and befriended many people.
God sent them a perfect place to live in Castle Hayne, where they found neighbors; such as, Mr. and Mrs. Price who have become family. Stoney and Raymond Price spent many hours sitting around sharing stories. Stoney could also be found sitting with the other neighbor’s son, sharing his knowledge of car repair with young Josh, and daddy enjoyed every second of it.
A great enjoyment to him was to share his wisdom on “everything” in the months in which he spent working with his grandson Kolton. The night before he passed away, he sat celebrating a significant moment in his granddaughter, Autumn’s life, her college graduation. He was so proud of her.
Stoney and Pooch spent 58 years together, working and playing. Their favorite activities were fishing, boating and camping with their best friends, Jimmy and Marilyn Feimster. Life is going to be very lonely for mom without him.
“In my personal experience, I can say I have learned so much from my daddy. We spent many hours working together. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without his love and guidance. His passing will leave an emptiness in lots of people’s lives.” With everlasting love,
Pooch and Tammy Hughes
“Poppaw was a wonderful grandfather. He always let me paint his fingernails many bright colors. He always let me use all their plastic bags, staples and scrap paper. It was fun to staple all the scrap paper together and make bags. Poppaw and Mommaw spent an entire summer along with Tammy and Kolton helping me build my very own chicken coop. He also came to all my graduations and celebrations even if he was going to miss a race. (And he never missed a race!) I know that he loved me and the entire family to the moon and back. I am going to miss going to their house and seeing Poppaw sitting in his chair. I will also miss the Christmas wrapping paper fights that we had every year.” Poppaw’s first and only granddaughter, Autumn Roots.
“As a young girl, I worked with my dad, doing all kinds of things. He taught me a lot. I feel like I am a big part of my dad and my mom. They together made me who I am. I will miss him terribly, as will many people who knew him.” Love & peace forever daddy, Ranae Roots.
“As a young boy, he started teaching me how to care for things like tools, cars, machines, and things around the house. As a young adult, he always told me that I was as strong as an ox and that I was just like him at that age. I became his arms and legs while we were building and renovating his and my aunts new homes to fit their needs and wants. Without him I would probably only be half the man I am today.” His loving grandson, Kolton Roots.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 10, at Sea Lawn Memorial Park 17750 Highway 17 North, Hampstead.
Special thanks to all of his loving family.
