Lewis Ray Hughes

Lewis Ray Hughes, 89, of Gallipolis, Ohio passed away on Monday, January 2, 2023 at his residence.

Born on September 4, 1933 in Gallia County, Ohio, Ray was the son of the late S. Lewis and Virginia Riggs Hughes. On September 1, 1952, Ray married Janet Fellure Hughes, who survives him in Gallipolis; Ray and Janet celebrated 70 years of marriage. Ray was a dairy farmer. He started farming young with FFA at Gallia Academy High School (Class of 1951), earning his FFA state farming degree. Ray started hauling Gallia County dairy farmers’ milk to Valley Bell. He lived and worked on a five-generation dairy and beef farm. Ray was a member of River of Life United Methodist Church, Georges Creek Grange, Little Kyger Grange, Little Kyger Farm Bureau Council, Gallia County Farm Bureau, Gallia County Soil and Water Conservation, and Board of Gallia County Rural Water Association. Ray was a charter member of C. H. McKenzie Ag Center. He attended First Baptist Church in Gallipolis.

Ray is survived by his wife of 70 years, Janet Hughes; daughters, Carolyn (Clark) Vickers and Barb (Fred) Burnett; daughter-in-law, Debbie Hughes; grandchildren, Jenny (Jason) Beaver, Tony (Elizabeth) Hughes, Brian Shadle (Amy Hemby), Brad Shadle, Jared (Megan) Burnett, and Jessica (Lee) Rowe; numerous great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and brother-in-law, Gordon (Donna) Goble.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by a son, Michael Lewis Hughes; daughter, Sue Hughes; grandson, Colby Burnett; sisters, Janet Goble and Doris Rainey; and granddaughter-in-law, Amber Shadle.

According to Ray’s wishes, there will not be any calling hours. There will be a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Aaron Young and Pastor Marc Sarrett officiating. A private family burial will be observed in Gravel Hill Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.