Ronald “Ron” Emmett Hughes

Ronald “Ron” Emmett Hughes, 79, of Hickory, NC, stepped into the arms of Jesus peacefully after a time of illness on Thursday August 20, 2026. Born to Emmett and Elouise Hughes on February 9, 1947, in Dallas, Texas, he went on to live an extraordinary life of loving and serving people well. Ron was the best of men. He was a loving and devoted husband to his beloved wife Polly and a faithful and caring father to his children Nikki and Nathan, who absolutely had the best dad ever. Ron took incredible pride in his grandchildren Knox, Rose, Parker, Maddox, and Paisley, who all loved their Poppy dearly.

Ron had a particular love for his church family at Christ Alive in Newton, where he served as Elder and worked alongside his pastors Mark and Tiffany Ivey, Barbara Potter, and other pastoral staff, who he loved as family. For many years Ron led the Prayer and Share Bible Fellowship, and he was an active member of the Men’s Breakfast Fellowship, both of which brought hope and joy to their members.

Ron lived a life of service and was a Vietnam combat veteran who served his country with honor. He was a US Army Military Intelligence agent in Tampa Florida, and was part of the MACV, Military Assistance Command Vietnam. Ron was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal.

Ron is survived by his wife of 55 years, Polly Hughes; son, Nathan Hughes (Katie); daughter, Nikki Hughes Koppi (Matthew); grandchildren, Knox and Rose Moussette, and Parker, Maddox, and Paisley Hughes; siblings, Teresa Hughes Emerson and Rocky Hughes; brothers and sisters in law, Linda Love, Vicki Hare, Cary Hare (Linda), Frank Hare, and Jeannie Love; lifelong friends Jerry and Joyce Sherwood and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Littlefield, brothers-in-law, George Littlefield, Vernon Love Jr., David Love, and father and mother-in-law, Robert and Beulah Hare.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at 6pm, Monday, August 31, 2026, at Christ Alive Church in Newton, NC.

A private graveside service will be held at Western Carolina State Veteran’s Cemetery with military honors provided by NC National Guard and Caldwell County Veteran Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Christ Alive Church or Gideon International, memorial Bible program.

Sossaman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.