RICHARD RAY HUGHES, better known as "Rick",
"Ricki", or "PaPa", peacefully passed away on
March 27, 2024, in his hometown of Ranger, TX.
Rick was a loving husband, caring father, grand-
father, brother, and friend to everyone he met.
Rick was preceded in death by his father, Wyndle
L. Hughes; mother, Margaret D. Green; twin sister,
Vicki Hughes (RHS-1972); brother, Dean Hughes (RHS-
1971); and granddaughter, Koi Dent.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Hughes; stepfather,
Bob Green; children, Amiee Baker, Rocki Hughes (RHS-
1995), Chris Hughes (RHS-1999), Summer Webb, Jace
Hughes (RHS-2003), Brittni Boykin (RHS-2006); and
possibly his favorite child, "Rosie"...his dog. As
well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Born in Ranger, TX on Nov. 25, 1953, He attended
Ranger High School in the Class of 1972. Rick
developed a strong work ethic from a very young age.
To put into perspective the type of worker Rick was,
one of his first jobs was hauling hay for 10 cents
a bale, which he shortly turned into $10,000. In his
younger years, he also worked at the rail car, did
environmental work for Eagle Construction, and
traveled the world working many other jobs...(His
least favorite place was Finland)...However, he
never looked for praise. He was never one to boast.
He just quietly kept working, providing the best
life he could for his family and the ones he loved
the most. He took great pride in getting up every
morning and going to work. The phrase "day off"
simply was not in his vocabulary unless it was to
take part in one of his family's many traditions.
In his later years, Rick would go on to become a
successful business owner, working alongside his
mentor & stepfather, Bob Green. He ran many rental
properties in town, was a member of REDC, and
always offered a lending hand to his community.
Rick married his wife, Debbie, and just celebrated
41 years of loving marriage. Love is building a place
to call home, and that is exactly what they did. The
two built a welcoming household for not only their
kids and many grandkids, but also anyone who needed
it. When the house was empty, Rick and Debbie enjoyed
playing many jokes and pranks on one another that
always ended in laughter. He was truly her best
friend and husband all in one.
Rick enjoyed traveling, cooking for anyone willing
to eat, his morning cup of coffee at Shooters, and
showing off his one, and only,"famous" dance move.
He loved going to every one of his kids'/grandkids'
accomplishments and sporting events and of course
bragging about them as well. He holds the family
title as "professional" pumpkin carving judge and
top chef; and leaves behind an undefeated record in
spades, dominoes, and checkers.
His hands, although rough and calloused, were never
too hard to hold or unable to help those in times of
stress and strife. His voice was never too stern but
always filled with a contagious laugh. A part of his
daily uniform was not only his grease and dirt-stained
clothes but also a simple & genuine smile. His wrinkles
and scars weren't a reflection of his age but a prideful
reminder of the blood, sweat, and tears he put into his
work over the years. Rick's positive influence in the
community was second to the generational impact he left
on his kids. He taught them the meaning of hard work,
sacrifice, and most of all the importance of family.
The greatest thing he ever built was a firm foundation
for his family that weathered the many storms of life.
He will forever be one of our family's greatest blessings.
He is the man we called "Dad".."Papa".."husband".."friend"
and "Rick". And he will be deeply missed by the many
others who loved him as we did.