George Emmett Hughes

George Emmett Hughes, age 79, of Center Line, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. George was a dedicated and respected pillar of the Center Line community, whose life was characterized by an unwavering commitment to service, a love for family, and a kindness that touched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Born on September 7, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan to Richard and Jessie Hughes, George’s roots ran deep in his hometown of Center Line. After graduating from Lincoln High School, where he excelled at a variety of sports, George embarked on a path of service, joining the Center Line Police Department at the age of 18. George served the community of Center Line for 25 years as a police officer, retiring as a detective sergeant. After retiring from the Center Line Police Department, he continued his service to the community as a probation officer for the City of Warren. George also served as president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 124 for several years.

In 1963, George married his beloved wife, Irene. Throughout 60 years of marriage, George and Irene shared an unbreakable bond. Their enduring love transcended the tests of time, sustained by unwavering commitment, mutual support, and shared laughter.

A man of the outdoors, George found solace in the embrace of nature through his avid pursuits of hunting and fishing. Winter brought about snowmobiling and ice fishing, shared with friends and family. Sports were always a major part of his life. He was a talented athlete, playing hockey, softball, and golf for many years. You could always expect to see him cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events.

George treasured moments with his family, particularly during vacations to Perdido Key, Florida. While the cherished memories he created on the white sand beaches almost certainly outnumbered the number of fish he was able to catch, the moments he shared with loved ones became the true treasures of George’s many visits to Florida. George was a devoted family man, weaving a legacy of love, support, and cherished moments with his loved ones throughout the years. His family and everyone who was fortunate enough to know him remember George as a man of strength, honor, and respect, coupled with an amazing sense of humor that brightened the lives of those around him.

In addition to being the beloved husband of Irene for 60 years, George was the devoted father of Theresa (Rick) Tharrett and Shelley (John) Burghardt. He was a cherished grandfather to Lauren (Nic) Reid, Richard D. Tharrett, Jacob (Paige Stefaniak) Burghardt, and Adam Burghardt. Furthermore, George was a treasured great-grandfather to Caden Reid and a dear brother of four. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A visitation for George will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Rd, Warren, Michigan 48088. An instate will occur Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 9:30 AM until the funeral service at 10:00 AM at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families, 8075 Ritter Street, Center Line, Michigan 48015.

In lieu of flowers, any donations made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Pancreatic Cancer Research would be deeply appreciated.