Thomas "Spider" Edward Hughes

Thomas Edward Hughes, Ed.D., “Spider”, 84, passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023. Thomas was born in Gadsden on December 2, 1938 to William Edward and Gladys Lee Watson Hughes. He was a lifelong resident of Etowah County.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ouida Juanese Hughes, who at the time of her death was a Senior at the University of Alabama.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Catherine Cook Hughes; daughters Inga Catherine Hughes and Lisa Ann Hughes Green (Greg); grandchildren Casey Morgan Watkins (Brad), Chelsea Alyssa Gattis (Tanner), Hughes William Green, and Grayson Ray Green; and five great grandchildren.

Dr. Hughes graduated from Gadsden High School in 1957. He then attended Jacksonville State University for two years before transferring to the University of Alabama where he received his B.S. in Education. While at Jacksonville, he played the bass horn in the Marching Southerners and in the Brass Choir. He has related many fond memories of the time he spent in Jacksonville, especially his trips with the band. He began his teaching career at Gadsden High School on February 14, 1961 as a mathematics teacher. Thomas taught for six years, while spending several summers at the University of Alabama obtaining his M.A. degree. Following his employment at Gadsden High, he was hired on as a Cost Research Analyst at Boeing in Huntsville. He assisted Boeing’s Aerospace Division, which had the contract to build the first stage booster for the Saturn V rocket that put a man on the moon in July of 1969. While he enjoyed his time as an analyst, his true calling was realized at Gadsden State Community College. He was instrumental in the development and application of many educational programs that still remain in effect today, and he helped countless students to realize and meet their education goals. During his tenure at the college, he held various administrative positions and received a scholarship to earn his Doctorate from Auburn University in 1975. He ultimately retired as Vice President in 1988 at the age of 50. After retirement from Gadsden State, he owned and operated Hughes Realty for thirteen years. During this time, he received his Alabama Homebuilders license and was responsible for building several homes in the Whorton Bend and Southside areas.

During his career, he served on the Board of Directors of Coosa Valley Bank, SouthTrust Bank, and Wachovia Bank. He also served as President of the Gadsden Kiwanis Club, member of the Gadsden Jaycees, member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Chairman of Westminster Christian School Board of Trustees, Gadsden Civic Theater Board, and was involved in numerous other civic activities. Additionally, he was a member of the Phi Delta Kappa National Education Honorary, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honorary, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity of America, and Theta Chi Social Fraternity at the University of Alabama.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and Sunday afternoons at the river. He enjoyed Roundtables with his friends at Jack’s Restaurant on Rainbow Drive and in Southside and his Thursday Morning Coffee Club at the Gadsden Country Club. His favorite pastime was being with his family on Saturdays watching Alabama football.

He was a Christian man of true faith, being a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Gadsden. Thomas was a member of the James Stivender Sunday School Class, from which he drew great inspiration and sought to apply those teachings in his everyday life. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, granddaddy, and true friend to all that knew him.

Pallbearers will be Dale Adams, Tyler Adams, Mac Downs, Donnie George, Jim Inzer III, Ted Jones, Jim Simpson, and Mandell Tillman. Honorary pallbearers are members of the James Stivender Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church.

Visitation will be Sunday, Oct. 15 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Collier-Butler Funeral Home followed by a funeral service in the chapel at 2 p.m. He will be laid to rest following the service at Crestwood Cemetery. Reverend Larry Fuhrman of First Baptist Church of Gadsden will officiate.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 2144 Fairfax Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee, 37212.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Hughes family.