Visitation
Committal
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 or to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Sossaman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tribute Wall
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Ron was a good and great man to talk to cuz I didn't even know that he passed away until my mom told me about it
Our hearts go out to Polly and the family. One thing that stood out over the 8 years that we have known Ron and Polly is their love for people. You could always count on their prayers. Our Tues morning prayer and Bible study will never be the same without Ron's guidance. Game night will have an empty chair. Men's breakfast will miss his fellowship. Our world may not be the same but our loss is Heaven's gain. Rest in Peace Brother Ron.
DEAR POLLY AND FAMILY AND EXTENDED FAMILY AT CHRIST ALIVE! IT’S WITH GREAT SORRY AND YET GREAT REJOICING I WRITE THIS TO YOU ALL! WHAT AN HONOR AND A PRIVILEGE TO GROW IN CHRIST AND SERVE CHRIST WITH A TRUE SOLDIER OF FAITH! WHAT A HEART FOR JESUS AND OTHERS YOU GUYS HAVE! I’M ETERNALLY GRATEFUL FOR RON HUGHES AND HIS BROTHERLY LOVE EXTENDED TOWARDS ME AND I KNOW COUNTLESS OTHER MEN ARE AS WELL!!! THE LOVE AND CARING “GOSPEL HEARTS” YOU GUYS HAVE EXHIBITED OVER TIME HAVE BEEN A TRUE AND STEADFAST WITNESS TO JESUS AND ALL OF US AS WELL! THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH WORDS THAT CAN BE SAID AND OR WRITTEN ABOUT RON AND POLLY HUGHES!!! ALL I CAN SAY IS “WELL DONE, WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITH FILLED SERVANTS OF KING JESUS…YOU WILL BE EXTREMELY MISSED HERE MY BROTHER RON, YOU LOVED WELL THROUGH HIS LOVE; THANK YOU! SOLDIER ON IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE POLLY AND FAMILY!!! RON LEFT US A BRIGHT TORCH OF JESUS’ LOVE TO CARRY, ALL BECAUSE OF HIS WALK WITH JESUS, THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH! SINCERELY IN CHRIST, STEVE WORKMAN
Polly, we are so sad to hear of Ron’s passing, but rejoicing to know he is in the arms of Jesus! Holding you in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate this difficult time.
Ron was my cousin by marriage but I always thought of him as a 'full family member'. He was one of us. Perhaps a dubious honor, I'd jokingly tell him with a wink.--- Ron was an honest man of the highest integrity, a model Christian who said what he meant, and meant what he said, who saw a need and quietly set about filling it, without an expectation of great praise. In fact, if he could do it annonymously he would. Ron was also a good listener, and me being a big talker,... well, I'm always on the lookout for such guys, lol. --- I was so impressed that he not only loved Polly, but was still totally In Love with her. He even enjoyed antique-ing with her! She was the envy of every woman around. Guys, take a lesson. So I'll conclude by saying thank you, Ron, for being an inspiration on every level. I loved you for it. Rest in your heavenly reward. No one deserves it more.
It was a definite privilege to have worked with Ron at General Electric for many years, and to know his wonderful wife Polly. They were a classic example of partnership and devotion to God and to each other. We were all blessed for having known him! May God comfort his family and friends with the knowledge that we will enjoy that companionship again in Heaven! -marje wells
Ron was the kind of guy you wanted as a neighbor. Always ready to lend a hand or a tool! We will miss his smiles and welcoming conversations.
Polly, we just found out Ron is with Jesus. You and Ron were good friends from the first day we met you at Christ Alive. We love you,