Richard Ray Hughes, better known as “Rick” or “PaPa”, peacefully passed away on March 27, 2024, in his hometown of Ranger, Texas. Rick was a loving husband, caring father, grandfather, brother, and friend to everyone he met.
Rick was preceded in death by his father, Wyndle L. Hughes; mother, Margaret D. Green; twin sister, Vicki Hughes; brother, Dean Hughes; and granddaughter, Koi Dent.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Hughes; stepfather, Bob Green; children, Amiee Baker, Rocki Hughes, Chris Hughes, Summer Webb, Jace Hughes, Brittni Boykin; and possibly his favorite child, “Rosie”… his dog. As well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Born in Ranger, Texas, on November 25, 1953, Rick developed a strong work ethic from a very young age. To put into perspective the type of worker Rick was, one of his first jobs was hauling hay for 10 cents a bale, which he shortly turned into $10,000. In his younger years, he also worked at the railcar, did environmental work for Eagle Construction, and traveled the world working many other jobs… (His least favorite place was Finland)… However, he never looked for praise. He was never one to boast. He just quietly kept working, providing the best life he could for his family and the ones he loved the most. He took great pride in getting up every morning and going to work. The phrase “day off” simply was not in his vocabulary unless it was to take part in one of his family’s many traditions. In his later years, Rick would go on to become a successful business owner, working alongside his mentor and stepfather, Bob Green. He ran many rental properties in town, was a member of REDC, and always offered a lending hand to his community.
Rick married his wife, Debbie, and just celebrated 41 years of loving marriage. Love is building a place to call home, and that is exactly what they did. The two built a welcoming household for not only their kids and many grandkids, but also anyone who needed it. When the house was empty, Rick and Debbie enjoyed playing many jokes and pranks on one another that always ended in laughter. He was truly her best friend and husband all in one.
Rick enjoyed traveling, cooking for anyone willing to eat, his morning cup of coffee at Shooters, and showing off his one, and only, “famous” dance move. He loved going to every one of his kids’/grandkids’ accomplishments and sporting events and of course bragging about them as well. He holds the family title as “professional” pumpkin carving judge and top chef; and leaves behind an undefeated record in spades, dominos, and checkers.
His hands, although rough and calloused, were never too hard to hold or unable to help those in times of stress and strife. His voice was never too stern but always filled with a contagious laugh. A part of his daily uniform was not only his grease and dirt-stained clothes but also a simple and genuine smile. His wrinkles and scars weren’t a reflection of his age but a prideful reminder of
the blood, sweat, and tears he put into his work over the years. Rick’s positive influence in the community was second to the generational impact he left on his kids. He taught them the meaning of hard work, sacrifice, and most of all the importance of family. The greatest thing he ever built was a firm foundation for his family that weathered the many storms of life. He will forever be one of our family’s greatest blessings. He is the man we called “Dad”.. “Papa”.. “husband”…“friend” and “Rick”. And he will be deeply missed by the many others who loved him as we did.
A memorial service will be held on April 1st at Woodbridge Church, 1418 Loop, 254, Ranger, Tx, beginning at 2 p.m. Family and friends will be gathering at the Ranger home following the service.
