- Date Of Birth: July 26, 1926
- Date Of Death: September 9, 2014
- State: South Carolina
On July 26, 1926, The Late Reverend David L.
Hughes was educated in the Berkeley County School System, and also attended the farm alongside his father and brothers. As a child, Hughes loved to play with his dogs, hunt and have fun with his friends. His childhood friend, Lizzie said he had an ox and cart and would give the kids rides in the field.
As a son of a minister, Hughes, accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a very early age, had a relationship with the Lord for himself and would talk about various situations that God delivered him through during his lifetime.
During the fall of 1947, Hughes migrated to New York City to seek new opportunities. As his bus pulled into Penn Station, he was directed to get on the subway (underground), however declined because he said needed to be able to see and elected to ride the bus (MTA). As the bus arrived near 59th Street, Columbus Circle, he was so amazed at the sight of the statue and fountain, that he got off the bus and walked along Central Park to view all the city sights. Within two days, Hughes found work and began to hone his craft. Hughes learned all aspects of construction and masonry, as could knock down a wall, install a marble countertop or ceramic floor and paint a ceiling. He was employed at SS Messina Inc. for over 30years and retired in March 1992.
Initially, Hughes lived with his sister Ruth (Tina) on 96th Street near Central Park, however, Hughes moved to Harlem and loved it there. He would travel to different states in the northeast and loved to spend time with his nephews and nieces. He had lots of fun with Bill, Joe Louis, Joseph (Tang) and Lawrence (Skitch).
In the 1960s, Hughes moved to Boston Road in the Bronx. He would continue to work, spend time with his friends (Wesley K, Nathanial, Bernard S, George W, Lenny, Harry, Curtis, Calvin S, Joe T, Charles A and Eric) and enjoy life. It was during this time that he would be called Big J, noting his strong stature standing over 6 feet 3 inches tall.
In 1968, Hughes met Mary Alice and shortly thereafter committed his life to her two sons Collins (who preceded him in death) and Albert. One child, Deborah was born to this union. Hughes was a dedicated spouse for 29 years until Mary’s death in 1997.
Hughes remained active during his retirement as he would happily work in the homes of his children, nieces and nephews. At the age of 80, he was chopping down a large oak tree in his neighbor’s home and at 87 he continued to knock down walls and renovate an apartment. Most importantly, he was very active in his two youngest grandchildren’s lives. He would take Alicia to the children’s section of the Bronx Zoo, get stuck in the slide with her, only to hold up the line and take Miles to the store to buy candy.
Hughes was a mentor to many young people in his community and was respected by family, friends and neighbors. He was smart, funny, had an impeccable memory (at age 88, he would say I can remember from the time I was three years old), loved to reminisce and tell stories and enjoyed life.
To remember his life, legacy and cherished memories, Hughes leaves behind his sons, Joe, Alex (Bonnie) and Albert (June); daughter, Deborah (Lester); grandsons, Herman and Miles; granddaughters, Tamike, Alisha, Alecia and Alicia. Hughes also leaves behind seven great-grands and a host of family and friends.
