Marvin William Hughey

Born June 16, 1939, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Lt. Colonel Marvin Hutchison Hughey and Florence Blume Hughey. The son of a career Air Force pilot, Marvin’s childhood took him to many different parts of the country, but one of his most cherished memories was living in Balboa, Panama, where he participated in the very first Cayuco race through the Panama Canal, a story he loved to share.

Marvin had no trouble striking up conversations, which helped him form lifelong friendships wherever he went. In 1963, during a beach trip with his best friend, the late Russ Kimel, Marvin asked a group of girls to play cards, and that’s how he met the love of his life, Mary Veronica Hale ("Roni"). That spontaneous moment sparked a lasting connection, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage this past March.

Incredibly smart and technically skilled, Marvin attended NC State College, pursuing a degree in engineering. Afterward, he worked in Sales and Estimating for Industrial Air Inc. for 34 years. Marvin had an incredible knowledge of all things mechanical and a keen understanding of how things worked. He could fix just about anything and never called a repairman—whether it was a car, air conditioning, plumbing, or construction, he could handle it all.

An avid baseball fan, Marvin played a significant role in the Southwest Forsyth Little League during the 70’s and 80’s, serving on the board of directors and coaching countless teams. Many Saturdays were spent on the ball field, a place he truly loved. He and Roni also enjoyed traveling up and down the East Coast, attending baseball games, college games, and spring training events. Marvin loved nothing more than spending time with his family, enjoying a plate of NC barbecue, vanilla ice cream, a hearty breakfast, Calvin & Hobbes, tinkering with projects, and having long conversations. He was a gifted storyteller and could spend hours talking, sharing memories, and giving advice.

Marvin is survived by his devoted wife, Roni, and their three children, of whom he was incredibly proud: Richie Hughey (Pearl) of Mooresville, NC; Brent Hughey (the late Laurin) of Clemmons, NC; and Beth Anderson (John) of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Taylor, Will, Emma, and Jackson, who he often referred to as his "greatest gifts"—never missing a milestone, whether it was a birthday, holiday, sporting event, recital, or graduation. He also leaves behind a brother, Stanley Hughey, and two sisters, Beth Moore and Tudy Newsom. Marvin was preceded in death by his father, Lt. Colonel Marvin Hutchison Hughey; his mother, Florence Blume Hughey; his dear stepmother, Inez McGilvray Hughey; a brother, Terry Hughey; his daughter-in-law, Laurin Hughey; and best friends, Russ and Marie Kimel.

For those closest to him, the room feels quieter now, and we will forever feel that void. He was the central figure in our lives—always part of the story and often the one telling it. Now reunited with old friends and family, he is sharing memories, recounting tales, and reminiscing—perhaps even enjoying a baseball game. Though he may no longer be with us, his spirit, his voice, and his stories will live on in our hearts, reminding us that he’s never truly far away.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 9th from 2-5pm at the Granary at WinMock, 168 E Kinderton Way, Bermuda Run, NC 27006.

Those who wish to honor Marvin’s memory may consider donating to one of the following organizations: The Human Fund (for Seinfeld fans only), Southwest Athletics, PO Box 867, Clemmons, NC 27012; or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611.