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.
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Sorry for your your loss
Polly and family, what a blessing Ron was to so many folks. While with us, he was the kind of Gentleman that Mothers hope their Sons become. He was compassionate, kind, gracious and a respected servant leader. His desire to walk with Christ was evident in his daily life. Many years ago on a Sunday morning, Ron stepped close and softly shared, "It's snowing down south." At the time, I had no idea what that meant. But Ron knew that I would want to know and indeed I did. He paid attention to the little things that mattered to people. What a blessing that Ron's next season of life is eternity with The Father.
So very sorry for your loss, in my prayers 🙏
Ron is a man of GOD a great example to those of us who know him. He is a good friend and will be greatly missed! Always had a kind word and though he liked meeting with us all, and especially at game night where himself and the rest of his brothers would attempt to pull off a win seldomly at farkel like the rest of us, while enjoying a game night buffet dinner as he frequented the desert buffet and great fellowship, we will surely miss his slight of humor as the dice passed from one to the other! You will really be missed brother but Jesus has a special spot at the table for you! Love always your brother and friend !! Sid
Polly, I just now found out about Ron! Couldn’t sleep and was scanning Facebook when I came across his obituary! Ron was such an amazing man! I did not know he had been sick! My thoughts and prayers are with you! I know he is with Jesus and I just know Don is with him and giving him a big hug! We all loved Ron so much! I will be thinking of you during service! I take care of my sister on Mondays so will will not be able to be at service! Just know I love you bunches!
My condolences go to you and your family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
My condolences to Nathan and family on the loss of a dearly loved dad, husband, and Poppy, amongst other relationships where he showed service and love. What a beautiful tribute to a very fine and honorable man! I am sorry for your loss. Pauline
We always looked forward to seeing Ron at church. His warm smile was always welcoming and kind. He served whole heartedly. He will be greatly missed. Sending love and prayers.
Ron was such a great husband, dad, brother in law but really like a brother. His love for God, his family, his church family is a testament to who he was. I will miss game night with him and Polly and all the outings they put on in there back yard. And our trips to Thursday morning breafast with our veterans groups, church men and brothers in christ. Until we meet together in heaven - happy trails Ron. Love ya bud. Practice up on Bananas and Racko before we get there.
Our love and prayers to you Polly and your family!🙏 From your Iowa Family