Rev. James ‘Buck’ Hughes and Maxine Hughes

The Rev. James "Buck" Hughes and Maxine Hughes entered their Heavenly home 12 days apart, at home, in the care of Hearth Hospice.

Buck was born on July 13, 1938, and passed away on Saturday evening, March 4, 2023. His loving wife, Maxine, was born on March 1, 1941, and passed on Thursday evening, March 16, 2023. Both were residents of Cleveland.

They were preceded in death by their parents, Marvin J. Hughes and Georgia Kington Hughes, William Thomas Neill and Alma Ballinger Neill; a son, Philip Hughes; and a grandson, Kelevan England.

Brother Hughes knew that he was called to preach at a very young age. He and Sister Hughes pastored nine churches over their time of ministry. Brother Hughes would always say, "I've pastored nine churches and two of them twice." They both had a strong desire to serve the Lord and lead lost souls to God.

They are survived by three children, Sonya McNabb and Eddie Hughes, both of Cleveland, and Alethea (Tracy) Leamon of Harrison; a grandson they raised like a son, Cayson Hughes of Cleveland; four grandchildren, Montzell (Lauren) England, Martessa Hughes of Cleveland, Tori (Jamie) Register of Statenville, Georiga, and Hannah (Timothy) Gardner of Chattanooga; nine great-grandchildren; Buck's brother, Julius Hughes of Cleveland; and his sisters, Joyce Hughes Creasman of Cleveland, Wilma (Dub) Oliver of Harrison, and Neda Fritz; Maxine's brother, Ray Neill; and her sisters, Martha (James) Dennis, Faye Lynn, Hazel (Jimmy) Holder of Cleveland; and several nieces and nephews.

A Remembrance of Life service will be conducted at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 20, 2023, at Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services, North Ocoee Chapel, with the Revs. Clarence Gammill and Paul Bowman officiating.

Graveside services and interment will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Tuesday in Mount Olive Cemetery with William Beshears, Billy Beshears, Mark Beshears, Kenneth Elliott, Montzell England and Cayson Hughes serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 3 p.m. until the time of the service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

You may leave your condolences or share a memory with the Hughes family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.