Hughes was born July 2, 1932, to B. C. and Marguerite Hughes Burt in Philadelphia, Mississippi. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Louisville. Hughes served in the Louisville National Guard and was called out during his first year of college to prepare to go to Korea. After being discharged from the Army, he attended Mississippi State University later transferring to Oklahoma State University where he graduated with a degree in Hotel Management. Hughes owned several restaurants on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, one in Jackson, and later one in Louisville. He was the director of Food and Beverage at the Mississippi State School of Veterinary Medicine cafeteria. After his retirement, he moved to Louisville and lived on the Burt family farm. Hughes also enjoyed fishing and working on his tree farm evidenced by the fact that he was named Tree Farmer of the Year in 1997. He answered the call of his country by also serving and retiring from the Navy Reserve. Hughes was a Shriner of the Scottish Rite and a Master Mason.
Hughes is survived by his son Michael H. Burt and wife Stephanie of Mobile, Alabama. One of his greatest joys in life was being “Grandpa Burt” to his grandchildren Natalie and Ethan Burt. He is also survived by his sister Janice Burt Paty of Haymarket, Virginia. Hughes was preceded in death by his wife Annie Trippe Burt and his parents.
Serving as pallbearers are Ethan Burt, Tim Burt, Joe Morgan, and Wes Stapp. Memorial contributions in honor of Hughes may be given to Flower Ridge United Methodist Church, c/o Beth Hemphill, 820 Estes Switch Rd, Louisville, MS 39339.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.