George Hughes

GEORGE EDWARD HUGHES, age 86, of Little Rock, was born in Benton on Oct. 22, 1924 and died Dec. 10, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Margaret Cate Hughes, daughters, Betsy Borchert (Donald) of Little Rock and Georgia Saxon (Bret) of Ohatchee, Ala.; step-sons, Greg Simmons (Carolyn) of Benton and Doug Simmons (Lynne) of Katy, Texas; and brother Richard Hughes (Bonnie) of Benton. Grandchildren are Todd Godfrey (Ronna) of Junction City, Kan., Jennifer Kelly (David) of Jacksonville, Ala., Joleyn Godfrey of Ohatchee, Ala., Clay Simmons of Philadelphia, Pa., Neil Simmons (Katy) of Little Rock, and Sam Simmons of Katy, Texas; great-grandchildren are Travis Godfrey and Trenton Godfrey of Kansas, Craig Kelly of Alabama and Cole Simmons and Eli Jennings of Little Rock. Mr. Hughes was predeceased by parents Walter Reavis and Doris Edwards Hughes of Benton and sisters Margaret Leake of Benton and Helen Scott Bland of Malvern. Mr. Hughes was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Men's Bible Class in Benton. He was a 1942 graduate of Benton High School and a 1949 graduate of Monmouth College, Monmouth, Ill. Mr. Hughes entered the Army Air Corp in 1943 and served until 1947 earning the rank of Captain. During his reservist status he returned to active duty in 1951 and flew 132 combat missions in Korea. Mr. Hughes worked as a salesman at Bankers Life and retired from the IRS in 1984. Mr. Hughes was an avid golfer and enjoyed woodworking, using his skills for home improvement and oversight of a new home in Hot Springs Village. George was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be missed by his family and friends. Visitation will be 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14 at Ashby Funeral Home. Rev. David Jones will preside at the memorial service held 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14 at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton. Honorary pallbearers include Ray Scott, Stan Rauls, John Due and the Men's Bible Class. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church at 200 N. Market in Benton, Ark. 72015 or a charity of the donor's choice. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.