William Earl Hughes

William Earl Hughes, 66, known to friends as “Bill” and to family as “Billy”, a resident of Middleburg, Florida, passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, June 19, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Bill was the youngest son of William L. and Mary D. Hughes (Wright). He was the husband of his best friend and beloved wife, Cathy G. Hughes (Wilsher), and a proud father to son William Shawn Hughes, and daughters Melinda D. Anderson, Brandy Henderson, Amanda Lee Gilmer, Jennifer French, and Ashley Miller. Bill was also the youngest brother of James L. (Barbara), Robert W. (Wendy), John W. (Carol), Kathleen A. Watson (Jerry), and Mary Ellen Hendrix (Sam). He was a loving “Papa” to his grandchildren Tristan K. Chaleunsouk, Alexis French, Emily Moxley, Joshua, Marissa, Valerie, Chloe, and Dean, and great-grandchildren Jaziah, Alayzia, Haizen, and Nova.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in hunting and fishing. A die-hard University of Florida Gators fan, he was rarely seen without his signature orange and blue. He treasured time spent with family and friends and was renowned for his skill as a custom cabinet maker, crafting beautiful woodwork for those he loved and many customers. Always ready to lend a helping hand, Bill was the neighbor everyone could count on and the grandfather who delighted in giving tractor rides and teaching his grandchildren to fish.

Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Mass in honor of Bill on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, 1606 Blanding Blvd., Middleburg, Florida. Reception will immediately follow the Mass in the Edward K. Rooney Parish Center and all are welcome to attend.