William "Bill" Lee Hughes

William Lee Hughes, age 86, known affectionately as Bill to his friends and family, passed away peacefully at his home in Tyler, Texas, on Friday, the 9th day of January 2026, with his beloved wife of 67 years, Shirley Hughes, by his side. Born on the 24th day of November 1939, in Grapeland, Texas, Bill's life was a testament to the values of love, faith, and service that he held dear.

Bill's journey began in the small town of Grapeland, where he attended local schools and met his lifelong sweetheart, Shirley Saxon. Their love blossomed through their school years, where Bill also served as the captain of the basketball team, demonstrating early on his leadership qualities and team spirit. The high school sweethearts married and embarked on a life filled with joy, challenges, and unwavering commitment to each other.

A man of deep faith, Bill served the Lord with passion that touched many lives. For many years, he was the music director and Sunday School teacher at Heritage Baptist Church. His dedication to his faith was further exemplified by his role as a deacon for over 50 years, a position he held with great honor and responsibility.

Beyond his spiritual commitments, he found joy in playing dominoes, traveling, playing his guitar, and singing with his family. He loved fishing and hunting. His serving heart for the Lord was evident in every aspect of his life, and his love for his family and friends was boundless.

He is preceded in death by his parents William and Gracie Hughes; sisters, LaVerne Blackmon and husband M.T., and Wanda Blackmon and husband LeRoy.

Throughout his life, Bill was the epitome of a godly family man. He is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley; his daughters, Tammy Gray and her husband Richard of Tyler, Texas; Janet Stanley and her husband Fred of Troup, Texas; his sister, Margie Cox and her husband Paul of Whitehouse, Texas; and his brother, Larry Hughes and his wife Fay of Grapeland, Texas. Bill's legacy continues through his grandchildren, Blake Gray and wife Kristie, Brooke Brown and husband Bill, Steven Stanley and wife Sarah, Hayden Stanley and wife Laura; and his great-grandchildren, Riley Gray, Savannah Brown, Hudson Brown, Elva Stanley, Daphne Stanley, and Stratton Stanley. His warmth and guidance will also be remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and a host of friends.

Funeral services to honor the life of Bill Hughes are to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Wednesday the 14th day of January 2026 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Rev. Troy Williams officiating the service. Interment will follow in Denson Cemetery in Grapeland, Texas.

Friends are invited to come share memories and visit with the family one hour prior to the start of service at Rhone Funeral Home.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Richard Gray, Fred Stanley, Blake Gray, Steven Stanley, Hayden Stanley, and Bill Brown. Honorary pallbearers are Larry Hughes, Paul Cox, Leroy Churchill, Lynnwood Williams, Clyde Powell, and Lynn McGaughey.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorials in memory of Bill Hughes can be directed towards Kindful Health Hospice, 2002 Sybil Ln, Tyler, TX 75703.

The family wishes to send special thanks to Kindful Health Hospice of Tyler. Also, Living Angels: Ann O’Quinn, Tawatha Johnigan, and Tameka Johnigan for their loving care of Bill.

Funeral services for William Lee Hughes are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.  Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.

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