Robert Lee Hughes, lovingly known as Rob, passed into his heavenly home on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the age of 64, surrounded by his beloved family in Dothan, Alabama.
Rob was born on January 15, 1961, to Edward and Reba Hughes at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana. After his father retired from the Air Force, Rob grew up in Texas, enjoying many lake trips on his family’s boat and swimming in their backyard pool in later years.
A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Rob began his military career in San Antonio, Texas, in 1987. Throughout his 20 years of service, he dedicated himself to quality assurance and helicopter safety. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Professional Aeronautics in 2002 and retired with distinction as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (E-7) in Tucson, Arizona.
Rob’s military service took him all over the world, including multiple deployments to Kuwait. His favorite duty station was Turkey, where he especially enjoyed connecting with the local community and experiencing the culture firsthand.
In 2008, Rob and his wife, Paige, relocated to Dothan, Alabama, where he continued serving his country as a supervisor on an Air Force government contract. He retired for the second and final time in 2023.
Rob was a skilled woodworker, creating beautiful, original pieces cherished by family and friends. His many hobbies reflected his adventurous spirit and love for life—building and flying RC planes, a passion he shared with his lifelong best friend, Rick LaRocque, riding his motorcycle, RV camping, metal detecting, shooting, and enjoying the outdoors.
Above all, Rob was a devoted husband, father, and “Pop-Pop.” He deeply adored his granddaughters and treasured every moment spent with his family. His unwavering faith was a guiding light to those around him, often sharing Bible verses and encouraging loved ones to walk in faith. His wit, humor, and kind heart left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Rob found joy in simple pleasures—camping, beach trips, mountain getaways, fishing, and taking his family on adventures to amusement parks. His legacy of love, faith, and laughter will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
Rob will be forever missed and remembered by his beloved wife, Paige, his daughters: Jessica Jetter and Sara Garland (Justin), his treasured granddaughters: Hannah (Austin), Tori, Arya, Samantha, Adalynn, and Amelia, his brother, Carl Hughes (Margarita), as well as nieces, a nephew, great nephews, and many loving friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Adam Jetter.
A Celebration of Life Service for Robert will be held at 1 P.M. Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 to 1 Sunday, one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
