Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at First Baptist Church Coffeeville for Mr. Arcola Hughes Jr., 84, of Coffeeville, who died on Wednesday, June 7, in Oxford. Burial followed in Elam Cemetery. The Rev. Truman Scarborough officiated. The family received friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, June 9, and one hour prior to service time on Saturday, June 10, all at First Baptist Church Coffeeville.
Arcola was born on Oct. 3, 1938, in Louisville, the son of the late Arcola Sr. and the late Allen Christopher McCool Hughes. He honorably served our country in the United States Navy and was a member of First Baptist Church Coffeeville.
Mr. Hughes was a man of strong conviction and always put his all into everything he did having earned the rank of Eagle Scout, 32nd Degree Mason and was Shriner. An avid outdoorsman, Arcola enjoyed hunting and fishing among other pastimes. A gifted conversationalist, he possessed a remarkable talent of putting those in his presence at ease and could find something to talk about with anyone he encountered. While his absence leaves a void for those who love him, we find comfort in knowing he has entered paradise and eternal rest.
In addition to his parents, his wife, Betty Hooper Hughes, and one brother, Kerry Van Hughes, preceded Arcola in death.
Survivors include, his daughter, Nikki Shields (Todd) of Houlka; his sons, Todd Hughes (Lisa) of Coffeeville and Rusty Hughes (Terri) of Tupelo; two brothers, John Hughes (Peggy) and Bill Hughes (Barbara); three grandchildren, Jessica Richardson (Brandon), Matthew Hughes (Blair) and Cooper Hughes and three great grandchildren, Anna Richardson, Eli Hughes and Ella Hughes.
Pallbearers were Glenn Burney, Mac Burns, Andy Fly, Cooper Hughes, Matthew Hughes, Leslie Hughes, Scott Martin and Todd Shields.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to First Baptist Church Coffeeville, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or LeBonheur Children’s Hospital.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
