Pastor Kenneth R. Hughes

Click this link to livestream servcesPastor Kenneth R.”Big Dad” Hughes, age 80, of Snellville, Georgia was called home by his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 7, 2020. He passed away peacefully at home in his beloved chair after spending a wonderful day with family. This was one month to the day after his beloved son, Steve Hughes (age 60) died on Monday, September 7, 2020. Kenneth was also preceded in death by his loving daughter, Melanie Hughes Strange (age 53) on Wednesday, January 24, 2018.He leaves to cherish his memory; his devoted wife and best friend of 61 years, Betty Beaver Hughes; two granddaughters & their husbands, Amanda & Stephen Dunn and Brittni & Thomas Sherrill all of Covington, GA; grandson & wife, Josh & Stefanie Strange of Snellville, GA; daughter-in-law, Andrea Johnson Hughes (Steve’s Wife) of Milledgeville, GA and her son, Michael Johnson & Amber Woodruff of Covington, GA; “PaPaw” to great granddaughter, Emily Dunn; great grandsons, Gavin Sherrill, Landon Dunn, Grant Sherrill and Caden Johnson all of Covington, GA; sisters, Linda Reagan of Rex, GA and Joanne Brooks Hewatt of Grayson, GA; sister-in-law, Opal Beaver Brooks of Snellville, GA; brother-in-law & wife, John & Marty Beaver of Jasper, GA; aunt, Ruby & Carl Spruill of Auburn, GA; other extended family members, a host of many friends and church family.Kenneth was also preceded in death by his parents, Elmer & Lucy Rainey Hughes; father & mother-in-law, Frank & Bobbie Rutledge Beaver; and other precious family members.Kenneth was born on April 5, 1940 in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He was a 1958 graduate of the first graduating class at South Gwinnett High School where he played basketball and football. After graduating from South, he worked in the printing industry for The Container Corporation. He married the love of his life, Betty Beaver on June 12, 1959. Betty stood with Kenneth throughout his many years in the ministry and always was active in each church where Kenneth served. Kenneth faithfully shepherded congregations for forty-five years. The first pastoral position Kenneth had was at Grace Baptist Church on Highway 124. From there Kenneth was called by Deacon Moon to pastor and was ordained on October 14, 1973 at Lenora Baptist Church. Kenneth and Betty served Macedonia Baptist Church off Panola Road for 22 years.He led each flock with wisdom from his Father in Heaven and with great gentleness. He served the Lord, tirelessly, faithfully and with great compassion. Kenneth shared the deepest joys with his family and friends & stood with them in their darkest hours. He held everyone close, strengthening their hands and cheered their souls and assured their hearts. Kenneth’s forty-five years of devoted service was a generous gift to a world in need. He blessed so many and made a difference and impacted so many lives. He was a man who earnestly strived to serve the Lord with all his heart. He served as a Mason and was the Worshipful Master in 2002 for the Snellville Masonic Lodge No. 99 F&AM and also served in 2007 as Worshipful Master for the Gwinnett Daylight Lodge #744 F&AM. Kenneth coached and mentored countless candidates in the Masonic degrees, as well as, serving on the Masonic Burial Team. He was raised as a Master Mason in his early 20’s and received his 50 year Pin and Apron in 2015. Kenneth and Betty were members of the Order of the Eastern Star Snellville #513. Kenneth was Worthy Patron for his daughter Melanie in 2000 and also for his wife Betty in 2002 for the Snellville OES. Kenneth served the Grand Chapter OES as Choir Director, a District Deputy, Grand Representative, and Worthy Patron for Betty when she was Grand Esther for the State of Georgia.He supported his son Steve as he played baseball as a left-handed pitcher, and supported Melanie at her basketball games at South. Kenneth was devoted to attending events to see his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow in their skills, while always having Betty by his side. Kenneth’s family was his greatest joy in life. His heart was still broken from the deaths of Melanie and Steve. His Lord said unto Kenneth, “Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things; I put you in charge of many things for me and now it is time for your eternal rest my child.” This kind, gentle soul will be deeply missed by his adoring family, many friends and members of his flocks.The Service to Honor and Pay Tribute to the Life of Pastor Kenneth R. Hughes, “A Man of God,” will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel with Rev. Dr. Jim Martin and Rev. Billy Carroll officiating with members of the Family Sharing Memories. Masons, Clergy, Eastern Stars, Deacons & Gentlemen of the Macedonia Baptist Church off Panola Rd., where Kenneth served 22 years, are asked to serve as an Honorary Escort. A Private Family interment will follow at Lenora Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Ryan Parr handling the Committal Service. Masonic Rites will be rendered by Snellville Masonic Lodge No. 99 F&AM. A Public Visitation will be held on October 18th before the service from 12:00 o’clock until the hour of the service at the funeral home. Flowers are accepted but those desiring may make donations to the Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society or American Heart Association in memory of Pastor Kenneth R. Hughes.Due to the current COVID-19 regulations, our staff is committed to taking care of our guests and families that we serve. Please understand that we will be limiting the amount of people at our chapel for visitations and services. We also ask all guests and family members attending visitations and services to please bring and wear a mask.You can view the service, which will be livestreamed, either by going to the Tom M. Wages Facebook page or by clicking the blue link, on the obituary page, on our website.Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company,” Snellville Chapel (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=160238017080622Read Obituary