Fred Raymond Hughes

Fred Raymond Hughes, age 69, of Murfreesboro, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in the arms of his loving wife after a lengthy illness. While words can never fully ease the pain and grief of this loss, those who loved Fred take comfort in the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind.

Fred was born on May 21, 1956, in Branson, Missouri, to Lester and Geraldine Johnson Hughes. Following the death of his father in 1961, Fred moved back to Murfreesboro with his mother, his brother Richard, and his sister Dottie. Murfreesboro would become the place he proudly called home for the rest of his life.

During his high school years, Fred’s world revolved around football. A dedicated and hardworking player, he was known for his strength on the line and for proudly wearing jersey number 71. In his senior year, 1974, his commitment and talent were recognized when he was named All-Conference and All-State.

In 1976, Fred began his career at the Murfreesboro Lumber Mill under the guidance of his uncle, John R. Crocker. He took great pride in his work as a millwright, sawyer, and machinist, and he was always eager to share his skills and knowledge with younger generations. Fred retired from Weyerhaeuser in 2019. Throughout his career, he was known as a hardworking family man, a loyal employee and coworker, and a quiet teacher who influenced many lives.

In 1978, Fred met his match and the love of his life, Lisa. The two were married on April 6, 1979, beginning a life together rooted in love, faith, and devotion. They made their home in town, where they were blessed with two sons, Brandon and Corey (Bo).

In the late 1980s, Fred fulfilled a lifelong dream when he took over the Hughes Family Farm, originally homesteaded by his great-grandfather. Together, Fred and Lisa enjoyed restoring his grandfather’s home and building a life rich in family traditions. Over the next three decades, they lovingly watched their two boys grow into strong young men.

After moving to the farm, Fred’s love of the land grew into a deep passion for trees and nature. One of his favorite pastimes was planting trees, caring for them, and walking among them. The farm became the heart of their family life, a place where traditions were built and memories were made that will last for generations.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Hughes and Geraldine (Johnson) Hughes Womack; his stepfather, Ray Womack; his brother, Richard Hughes; his nephew, Richard Hughes Jr.; and his niece, Ashby Womack.

He is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Lisa Hughes of Murfreesboro; his sons and daughter-in-law, Brandon and Holly Hughes and Corey (Bo) Hughes, all of Murfreesboro; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Dottie and Ronnie Johnson of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Karen and Johnny Wesson of Murfreesboro; his brother and sister-in-law, Kenny and Valerie Womack of Murfreesboro; his sisters-in-law, Cathy Jordan of Nashville, Angie McBay, and Teresa Schooley of Murfreesboro; and numerous nieces, nephews, loving relatives, and friends.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kyle Jackson, Jody Abernathy, Donnie Golden, Dylan Webb, Murry Bailey, Curt Beavert, Mat Myres, and Darwin Nolan.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family would like trees planted in Fred's memory or donations made to A Living tribute shop.alivingtribute.org to help with the planting of trees in the States National Forest.

Though our hero is gone, his legacy of strength, love, and courage will live on in all who knew him. He leaves behind a void that can never be filled, but also a lifetime of memories that will never be lost.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home- Glenwood.