WILMINGTON — With love and sorrow we mourn the passing of Julian W. Hughes, who left us on January 4, 2026. Julian was born on September 21, 1933 in Clayton, NC, to Julian W. and Beatrice Ellis Hughes.
He was predeceased by his parents, his beloved son Julian III (Jay), and his five cherished sisters, Beatrice, Lou, Dorothy, Faye, and Cecily.
Julian, often called “Brother”, was known for his soft heart and his devotion to family and friends. He always put others before himself. His ability to connect with everyone he met contributed to his success in his sales career, and the friendships he made with all age groups often lasted decades. Julian was a proud veteran and served as a cryptologist in the US Army. Through the years he picked a banjo, loved boating, fishing, and golf (once proudly scoring a hole in one), enjoyed coin collecting, and recording and listening to music of all kinds. His most recent hobby was writing poetry, usually love letters to his wife, memories of his childhood, or thoughts on aging. He was best known for his sharp memory and storytelling about the joys of growing up as one of seven children, and his sense of humor that brought laughter to every gathering. Julian was a warmhearted member of both his spiritual family at First Baptist Church in Raleigh, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and their children and grandchildren.
Julian is survived by his wife Patricia to whom he was totally devoted for 71 years. He is also survived by his brother Curtis and his wife Janet, his adoring daughter Julie and her partner Jimmie Spivey, his four treasured grandsons Robert, Ryan, Justin, and Jonathan, Julie’s grandsons Thomas and Michael, and ten great grandchildren who will cherish his memory forever. He also leaves behind his family of patients and employees of Stonebridge in Hampstead who loved and cared for him in his final years.
A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, January 15th from 3-5 at Andrews Mortuary on Market Street in Wilmington, with a private family gathering to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Julian’s name to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, 1000 Greenfield St., Wilmington, NC 28401. Any online donations will be welcomed by the Raleigh location.
