W. Michael Hughes, MD

W. Michael Hughes, MD, age 67 died unexpectedly Wednesday, August 24, 2022. He was born November 12, 1954, the son of the late Dr. Elmo K. and Mrs. Virginia Hughes. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Donna Marlene Roberts, three sons, Dr. William Michael Hughes Jr. and wife Holly, Reverend Robert Christopher Hughes, and Stephen Peyton Hughes, three grandchildren Elijah Michael, Scarlett Elise and Easton Rhett Hughes, sister Dianne Earle and husband Barry, brother Thomas Jeffrey Hughes and wife Donna, stepmother Rachel Hughes and stepsister Vicki Chrysler. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brother Elmo Hughes Jr. and grandson Ezra James Hughes. Dr. Hughes was a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine class of 1981 and completed his Family Medicine residency at the UofL Department of Family Medicine. During the first month of training he fell in “love at first sight” with a fellow resident, and they were married two years later. Upon completion of residency Dr. Hughes followed in the footsteps of his father, maintaining his independent solo practice at 6503 Dixie Highway where he worked until his premature retirement in 2019. Many patients from the 1950’s love to recall seeing both generations of Hughes physicians there and how much they regret the office closed. Family rituals were important to Dr. Hughes. Sitting down for the evening meal together and grilling on Sunday evenings allowed him to always remind his sons “I don’t care what you decide to do as a career but do the best you can at whatever it is.” Dinner was so important that he stepped up to learn new cooking skills and explore different recipes. He was so excited to teach his sons to fish at Lake Barkley, making many happy memories. His idea of a good family vacation was a road trip to a historical site so everyone could learn something or a relaxing beach trip. He loved scuba diving after being certified in 1994, and it was the only vacation that could get him on a plane. Patients learned that at least one winter vacation would mean new stories about the trip. Illness and forced retirement were a difficult adjustment for him, but his new response to anyone who asked was, “I’m okay, I’m alright, God’s got a plan for me.” Always a reader of history and collector of books, he focused on reading daily devotionals, biographies, the Wall Street Journal from front to back and encouraging his family to read them too. The family would like to thank everyone who has called, sent a message, said a prayer, or stopped in for a visit since his death. Visitation will be 10:00 – 2:00 P.M. Saturday at Owen Funeral Home 5317 Dixie Hwy. with funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral Home. Cremation was chosen. Memorial gifts to Beechland Baptist Church Coins for Christ.

W. Michael Hughes, MD

November 12, 1954 - August 24, 2022