Robert Earl Hughes

Robert Earl “Bob” Hughes passed away peacefully in Tupelo, Mississippi, on August 25, 2025 at the age of 88. Born in Love, Mississippi on April 28, 1937, Bob lived a life defined by deep devotion—to his family, to learning, and to the simple joy of helping others grow. A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at Waller Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. with Rev. Billy Tallant officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 4:00 P.M.

Bob was a man of immense heart and quiet strength. The oldest of three children, he grew up in Oxford, Mississippi, where he took on the responsibilities of adulthood far too early after his father left the family. He worked countless jobs through his school years to help support his mother and siblings, becoming a steady, guiding presence in their lives—a role he would carry forward with grace and determination throughout his life.

After high school, Bob served four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge, where his discipline and sense of duty were forged and refined. Upon returning home in 1958, he was introduced by his brother Doug to a young woman named Carolyn Tallant, and it was love at first sight for both. Carolyn knew “she was going to marry that man” as she went home that very first day. She would become the love of his life. They married in 1960 and built a remarkable life together across the next 65 years, defined by unwavering partnership and enduring love.

Together, Bob and Carolyn raised two children—Michael and Melody—whom he cherished deeply. As a father, Bob led by example, instilling the values of hard work, curiosity, and kindness. Michael inherited Bob’s sharp business instincts and developed a very successful career at Hershey Chocolate, while Melody—his beloved “Princess”—held a special place in his heart in everything she did. His pride in them was limitless.

Bob built a successful career managing Goodyear stores throughout North Mississippi, ultimately overseeing multiple locations from his base in Senatobia. Yet even amid his professional accomplishments, Bob remained a student of life. He earned his pilot’s license and flew his own plane for both business and pleasure, never turning down an opportunity to expand his horizons.

After many years in business, Bob and Carolyn returned to the Spring Hill community in Lafayette County, where they survived a devastating tornado that destroyed their home. True to his resilient spirit, Bob rebuilt—not just a house, but a sanctuary for learning, love, and family connection.

A lifelong learner, Bob had a rare gift: he could take a subject he knew nothing about, dive in with enthusiasm, and then share it in a way that made others just as curious as he was. Whether it was science, history, gardening, or health, Bob made knowledge feel like an adventure worth taking. For many years in retirement, his garden was a special source of pride and peace—one he lovingly maintained until just a few years before his passing.

Bob never stopped reaching for life. In his 80s, he decided to take up cycling again, getting a new bike and hitting the road until illness interrupted his momentum. Even in the face of declining health, his energy and drive remained a powerful example to all who knew him. For most of his life, he lived with the vitality and spirit of someone decades younger.

Perhaps nowhere was Bob’s love more evident than in the way he adored his grandchildren. He and Carolyn frequently made the trip to St. Louis to bring them to Mississippi for long visits filled with laughter, discovery, and endless love. From museum adventures to backyard lessons, every moment was an opportunity for learning, joy, and bonding. There was truly nothing he wouldn’t do to help his grandchildren grow—mind, body, and heart. In return, “Granddaddy” was truly loved and adored.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Joe, and his beloved son Michael. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carolyn; his daughter, Melody Green (Bently); and his grandchildren, Bently Green Jr., Walker Green, Farris Green, and Riley Hughes, as well as his brother Doug (Linda), and sister Mary Elizabeth Gunter, as well as sisters-in-laws Phyllis Traylor, Dyanne McCord, brothers-in-laws Phillip Tallant (Pam), Billy Tallant (Dianne), and Dayna Tallant, and all of his nieces and nephews.

In a final act of generosity and hope, Bob chose to donate his body to science, reflecting his lifelong belief that even in death, we can teach, contribute, and give back. Bob was prepared for “that next great adventure” and looked forward to what all it would entail.

Robert Earl Hughes lived a life of purpose, passion, and profound love. He leaves behind a legacy that lives on in the hearts and minds of the many people he nurtured, inspired, and believed in. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit—so full of wisdom, warmth, and wonder—will continue to guide and uplift those who were fortunate enough to know him.