VIRGINIA BEACH - Retired U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Roy John Hughes Sr., 85, surrounded by his loving family, completed his life's remarkable journey Wednesday, May 25, 2011. He leaves us to reunite with Betty, his wife of 58 years, and the love of his life. Left to cherish his memory are their children, Roy J. Hughes Jr., his wife Patricia and their child Melissa G. Marchese of Virginia Beach, Care E. Hughes of Virginia Beach, Patrick M. Hughes and his wife Judy of Norfolk, and James S. Hughes and his wife Margarita and their children Jamie E. Hughes and James R. Hughes of Virginia Beach; and countless friends and family. "Bud," to many who knew him, was born in Cambridge, Mass., Dec. 27, 1925. He joined the Navy at the early age of 17 and served in World War II, seeing action at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Proudly serving in the Navy for 27 years, he was able to rise from a seaman to a Naval commander (Mustang), earning the respect and admiration of his fellow sailors and officers. While attending the Boston School of Art, he met his future wife Elizabeth "Betty" Hope. After graduation, they were married Sept. 8, 1951 in Springfield, Mass. After leaving the Navy, Roy attended Old Dominion University and began a very successful 16-year career in mortgage banking. He taught finance at Tidewater Community College. With great integrity, he became a mentor to countless number of loan officers, processors and closers. He was extremely proud to have served as vice president and president of the Tidewater Mortgage Bankers Association. His pride and joy were his family and their children. He loved being Grandpa to his grandchildren and cheering their accomplishments. He will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him. Though he is no longer bound to this earthly world, we will be forever blessed by this extraordinary man's enduring spirit. Family will receive guests at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Bayside Chapel, 1457 Independence Blvd. Wednesday, June 1, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. A funeral will be held in the funeral home chapel Thursday, June 2, at 11 a.m. with a graveside ceremony to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6309 E. Virginia Beach Blvd.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on May 29, 2011