Born in the spring of 1955 to Jacob & Sallie Hughes, Donald Ray Hughes was a bright and intellectual addition to a large and loving family. His strong and stately demeanor led his mother to affectionately coin him with the nickname "Butch." Don's intelligence, warm personality and gentlemanly stature positioned him to create a life of high achievement in academia, Track & Field, Military Service, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Governmental Service.

Don was an Engineering Graduate of Forsyth Technical Community College's joint Educational & Vocational Engineering Program. Don received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration & Emergency Management from Shaw University. Don was a Shaw University Magna Cum Laude graduate & Silver Pin recipient (Shaw's Top Academic Honor). Don received 4 National Dean's List Awards and 4 National All - American Scholar Awards. Don served as a proud member and vice chair of Alpha Chi National Interdisciplinary Honor Society. Don also completed graduate work and groundbreaking research engagements at Duke University and NC State University.

Don served as a Naval Aircraft Carrier Engineer for NNS Newport News Shipbuilders, decorated MK III Machinist & Engineer for the US Coast Guard, Public Safety and Environmental Engineer for the Environmental Protection Agency and a Senior Key Contracting Officer for the US Office of Acquisition Management.

Don was a lifetime piano player and music fan.  Don was an outstanding West Forsyth High School & Semi-Pro Track Athlete, posting record times in regional & national finals. Don was a dedicated father and family man. Don loved his family and children above all things.

Don exuded a British spy coolness and mystique. His presence was engaging and energetic. He walked quietly with an alarming smile. He approached life with an intense curiosity and functionality. Don was always looking to solve life's mysteries. Diagramming mental algorithms for all things in his preview. Don was a deep thinker with strong philosophical opinions. Don was no-nonsense and expressively straight to the point, with a heavy-handed sense of humor. He was a modest and quiet achiever. Opting for serious and meaningful pursuits. Foregoing what he termed the "self serving treasure hunting" of the modern era. Don lived a life of purpose and was proud ambassador for the Hughes and Shelton families.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Empress Hughes.

Don is survived by a large and loving family of 3 daughters, Adonaibrielle Salliee Hughes, Destinee Hughes, and Topaz Hughes; grandson, Steele Hughes; siblings, Paxton Hughes, Gregory Hughes, Ben Hughes, Dorthy Austin, rel. Carl Settle, Sylvester Young, and Hank Perry; and a host of extended family and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, May 2, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Phillips Chapel, 5400 Old Lake Jeanette Rd Greensboro NC 27455.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 10:30am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church. Memorial services are forthcoming for Raleigh, NC.