Willis Waddell Hughes

Willis Waddell Hughes, 91, of Brightwood, Va., formerly of Charlottesville, died on October 9, 2023 at Culpeper Health and Rehab.

Born on November 3, 1931 in Charlottesville, Va. to Willis and Aurora Hughes. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Anne, sisters Marjorie and Martha; and brothers Wallace, Harry and Hunter.

He is survived by a sister, Mary Dare Burnette; sons, Randy, Timothy (Darlene), and James (Laura); grandchildren: Drew (Christina), Marissa (Tim), Clarissa and Connor; great grandchildren: Alexis, June and Jovie, with another due in April, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Willis, or “Little Boy” as he was known to his family, was born and raised in Charlottesville and was proud to call himself a “Belmont Boy”.

Willis enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War and served four years in the Seabees.

After his military service he worked 43 years with the C+O railroad at the Charlottesville Yard and later CSX in Richmond.

Upon retirement he spent his time helping others and could always be counted on to assist with his children’s many projects. After Anne’s illness he became her devoted caregiver and stayed right with her until her passing in 2014. He relocated to Madison County to be nearer to his family after the death of his wife.

Willis loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed camping on family vacations with his wife and boys. He always made the time to attend his grandchildren’s events.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October, 13, 2023 at Belmont Baptist Church in Charlottesville with interment following at Holly Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Belmont Baptist Church, Charlottesville.

Condolences may be shared with the family on the Tribute Wall.