Larry Hughes passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home with his wife, children, and grands. The family is grateful for all who visited, called, and sent prayers to Larry during his illness. The family welcomes prayers of comfort and requests no visitors at this time.

Larry Kovac Hughes passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, June 15, 2024, after a life richly lived in service and kindness. He was comforted by his loving wife, who stayed by his side and surrounded by his children and grandchildren as he transitioned. Larry courageously fought prostate cancer for nine and a half years like a beacon of light and hope in our community. He touched many lives with his positive attitude, fullness of joy, and he was a walking soundtrack of Jazz, Blues, and Country music every time he entered the Cancer Center for treatment. His energy was infectious to other patients, medical staff, and families supporting their loved ones through terminal illness, and his laugh was so electric it could spark the darkest moments and ignite the brightest sunshine.

Larry was born December 23, 1956, to Mabel Massie Hughes and the late Thomas Allen Hughes, Jr. He was educated in the Amherst County School System and was the FIRST African American student that integrated the Amherst County Elementary School in 1961. Larry graduated from Amherst County High School in 1975 where he was an exceptional athlete in football and track & field. He held several records that remained unbroken until 2019, sang boastfully on the Amherecho's Chorus, and proudly participated in the Varsity Club.

Larry attended and completed a two-year Aircraft Mechanic program in Kansas City, Missouri. He entered the work force at Virginia Fibre (Greif) where he worked for five years, before becoming an entrepreneur and launching his own business, "Big Rig" Trucking, LLC. He maintained trucking contracts with Hess (Western) flatbed, then with Seminole Trucking (Jerry & Cindy Coffey), hauling box cart freight until he retired in 2021. Larry proudly owned, operated, and maintained the trucking business to its success, for 30 years and was extremely organized and professional the entire 30 years (my "Honey" got up every morning before dawn to run his loads, so that he could return home and have dinner with me EVERY evening. ~Debbie).

Larry served as Head Coach of Amherst County High School Indoor / Outdoor Track & Field teams, then continued coaching as a volunteer, dedicating over 25 exciting years to the youth and coaching them through State and National Championship tournaments (and yes…they won 2 State Championships Indoor/Outdoor. ~KB). Larry continued serving his community and volunteered as the Track & Field Coach, for the Amherst Chapter Special Olympics team from 2017 to 2022, until he was no longer able due to his declining health. When he informed the team of his limitations, two of his former track students stepped up and continued leading the team in his absence (Joseph "JB" Brown in 2023 and McKinley "JJ" Johnson Jr. in 2024).

On June 26, 1999, Larry married his "best friend", Debbie J. Hughes of Amherst VA. He instantly gained 3 children who later blessed him with 10 wonderful grandchildren that he absolutely adored.

Larry leaves to cherish in his loving memories, his devoted wife of the residence, 2 daughters-Kristle M. Brown Amherst VA, Daun Brown Hairston (Stephen) Clayton NC, a son-Kevin M. Brown, Jr. (Durham, NC). Additionally, he played an active role as a father figure to nephew and niece-Torrence Hughes, Bowie MD and Kelsey Hughes, Charlotte NC following the loss of their father, his brother. He was also a foster parent to Tasha Williams, Hampton VA; his mother-Mabel Massie Hughes of Amherst VA, brothers-Charles Hughes (Octavia) Amherst VA, Edward Hughes (Leigh) Bristow VA, and Sam Diggs, Amherst VA, sister-Brenda Hudson (Bobby), Lovingston VA, a loving aunt, and caring nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends near and far. He was predeceased by his father-Thomas A. Hughes, Jr.; his brother-Thomas A. Hughes II, and his sister-Diane H. Jackson

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Scott Zion Baptist Church. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.