Richard Lee Hughes age 66 of Galax, Virginia passed away Thursday, December 13, 2018 at his home.

Richard was born in Radford, Virginia on August 22, 1952 to Madison and Nancy Kemp Hughes. He spent much of his childhood with his beloved grandmother Snowie Nester.

Richard was in the first class to graduate from Carroll County High School in 1970 and was among the first graduates of Wytheville Community College in 1972 completing a program in engineering taught jointly with Virginia Tech. He married Connie Sizemore on June 11, 1972, and the couple moved to Newport News where he worked at Newport News Naval Ship Building.

Richard returned to Galax when he enlisted with the 424th Army Transportation Unit in 1972. He began working at Volvo Trucks of North America in October of 1975, where he worked for 42 years as a liaison engineer. He took great pride in his work ethic, never missing work for snow or ice or even Hurricane Hugo. He was even there last Monday morning despite 21 inches of snow. If there was work to be done, he could be counted on to be there without excuse or complaint. He was one of the longest serving employees at the plant.

Richard served as an Army Staff Sergeant with the 424th for 21 years, receiving an honorable discharge in 1993. He completed active duty tours in Germany and also in Operation Desert Storm, where he drove transports primarily through Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. He loved our country and served with pride.

Richard was also an active member of Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church where he sang bass in the choir, stirred apple butter, delivered weekly meals to elderly church members, and read the Christmas story to us each December.

Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend to all. He loved Connie and took so much joy in their life together. He will always be remembered for his quiet demeanor and his absolute perfectionism whenever he undertook a project. His wisdom, patience, and knowledge were models for all of us.

He is survived by his wife Connie Sizemore Hughes; daughter and son-in-law Shannon H. and Bradley G. Dalton of Galax, Virginia; son and daughter-in-law Richard C. and Julie B. Hughes of Roanoke, Virginia; five grandchildren Bradley G. Dalton, Jr.; William Lee Dalton; Elizabeth A. Hughes; Katherine M. Hughes; Eleanor R. Hughes; sister Debbie H. Bullock of Newbern, North Carolina; two aunts and one uncle Doris K. and Paul Goad; Rhoda Kemp; mother-in-law Margie Sizemore; brother-in-law and wife Rev. Don and LaVerne Sizemore; several nieces and nephews; special family friends Dennis and Vickey Shoemaker of Concord, North Carolina, their children and families, Emily and John Causey and David and Christina Shoemaker. Also, Maggie, his remaining granddog, who will not understand the empty place on the couch any more than the rest of us.

The funeral service will be held Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 2:00 PM in the Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, 6926 Carrollton Pike, Galax, Virginia with the Rev. Terri Gregory officiating. Burial will follow in the Robinson Cemetery with Military Rites by the Hillsville VFW Post 1115. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, 6926 Carrollton Pike, Galax, VA 24333.