Thomas Edward "Tom" Hughes, 82, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on July 15, 2026.

Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for his warm personality, generous spirit, and welcoming smile.

He was born on February 23, 1944, in Mineola, New York, to Edward and Julia Hughes. Tom grew up in College Park, Maryland, and joined the United States Navy at age 18. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.

While home on leave from the Navy, Tom met the love of his life, Susan Grady. They married in 1966 and raised two children together.

After completing his military service, Tom returned to Maryland and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland. He went on to build a successful business career and later earned a master's degree from Kent State University.

Faith was an important part of Tom's life. Alongside Susan, he was active in the Marriage Encounter ministry and was ordained a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. He served faithfully for more than 20 years before retiring from ministry at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Jacksonville Beach in 2016.

After Susan's passing in 2013, Tom found love again and married Terry Damato Miller in 2016. Together they enjoyed sharing their faith, spending time with family, traveling, and serving others.

Tom lived life to the fullest. He was a member of Assumption Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the VFW, and the American Legion. He was also a licensed pilot, motorcycle enthusiast, birdwatcher, artist, published writer, and dedicated volunteer in both his church and community.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Susan Grady Hughes.

He is survived by his wife, Terry Miller-Hughes; his daughter, Jane Hughes Bonsky (Jon); his son, Thomas J. "TJ" Hughes (Joannie Knaus); his brother, Jim Hughes (Carole); his sister, Debby Stanford (Jason); his stepchildren, Angie Miller Walker (Brian) and Christopher "Bubba" Miller (Emi); and five cherished grandchildren.

A Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026 in St. Paul's Catholic Church.

Following the Rosary a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Maurice Culver at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception in the Family Life Center. 

A committal service with military honors will take place later in the day, at 2:30 p.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Tom's name to the Wounded Warrior Project.