Obituary of Willard Dave "Tommy" Hughes

Willard Dave "Tommy" Hughes, 80, went to be with his Lord on March 13, 2024 at 10:35 am. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, April 4, 2024, in The Chapel at Griffin~Hillcrest. Services will conclude in the Chapel. Tommy was born in Oklahoma City to Opal Lee and Willard Pershing Hughes. He grew up in Glendive, Montana; Elk City, Oklahoma; and around the Marshall County, Oklahoma area (around Ardmore, Dickson, Madill, & Kingston. He graduated from Dickson High School in Dickson, Oklahoma, He served his country in the US Army and the Oklahoma National Guard. He married Nita Eubanks and together they had Brandie Lee Hughes. Later he married Barbara Fincher and together they had Misty Michelle Hughes. He was a professional firefighter with the Ardmore Fire Department for 11 years until in 1981 he was severely burned and medically retired. While hospitalized for his burns he first met Rene' Ann Transue. After his long rehabilitation they finally began to see each other and were eventually married in 1983. He enrolled in Oklahoma City Community College to study to become a Physical Therapist Assistant and at the age of 46 graduated and passed the national boards. For 10 years he practiced as a PTA helping many people to overcome disabilities. He was a humble private man in many ways. He was always ready to help family, a widow, orphans, neighbors or friends as well as using his many skills with his local church. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and his extensive collection of Dragons. He especially loved to work with his animals - over the years to include dogs, cats, potbellied pig (named Piggy Sue), rabbits, turkeys, goats (pygmy and Boar), pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, cattle, and of course his & Rene's horses. He also enjoyed wood working and metal working. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Harold Gene Hughes, and sister, Dava Mae Moore. Tommy is survived by his wife, Rene' Ann Transue, children: Brandie Lee Wilson and Misty Michelle Hughes, grandchildren: Stephanie Jade Wilson, Chad Allen Cook, Dakota Lee Ann Hume, Destani Michelle Hughes, and Gavin Dave Dewayne Clem. Great-grandchildren: Athena Yvonne Johnson, Kaylynne Michelle Martin-Liddell, and Salah Rene' Michelle Hughes. A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Griffin~Hillcrest Funeral Home.