Anthony William Hughes

In loving memory of Anthony (Tony) William Hughes, who was taken all too quickly from his family and friends on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at the age of 74.

Tony was born in London, England on March 19, 1947 to George and Vera Hughes. His early years were spent in central London, followed by the family moving to the suburbs. He married Wendy in 1975 and they began their life journey together. They lived in Brussels and Belgium, followed by Hong Kong SAR where their only son, Jonathan, was born. The next move took the family to the United States. The family made many moves as Tony’s career advanced. He closed out his career as President of Fortron Industries and Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Americas with the Celanese Corporation. He was fortunate to retire at the age of 52 and enjoy the last 22 work-free years with Wendy in Wilmington and Leland, North Carolina. In his own words, “retirement was the best job he ever had”.

Tony’s smile and laugh could light up any room. His quick wit and dry sense of humor were some of his defining attributes. Throughout life, he enjoyed catching his family and friends in a “little prank”. Tony and Wendy were lucky to enjoy global travel throughout their life together. His focus in life were his wife and son, always striving to provide the best possible for them both. Golf was an important part of his career and his retirement. He thoroughly enjoyed his yearly golf outings with work companions. After retirement, Tony became a Master Gardener through the New Hanover County Arboretum. He applied this knowledge and his love of growing to his personal gardens. He was always willing to lend gardening knowledge or advice to a friend or stranger. Since retirement, he was highly involved with the communities where he and Wendy lived. Those that knew him will recall how much he enjoyed getting together for food, wine, and merriment. His swift and sudden passing will be felt by all who knew him.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years Wendy, his son Jonathan, his brother Robert and wife Jacqueline, and their daughter Claire. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Vera.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 7, 2021 at five o’clock in the evening at Wilmington Funeral Chapel with a short service to follow at seven o’clock.

Tony’s most important final wish was that no one wear dark or mournful colors to his Celebration of Life. So please, no black. Honor his request and celebrate him the way he wanted with bright and cheerful colors.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that any donations be made to either of the following organizations in Tony’s name:

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, in memory of Tony Hughes, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401

Donate

Paw’s Place, in memory of Tony Hughes, P.O. Box 67 Winnabow, NC 28479
https://www.pawsplace.org/how-to-help/donate/

You may share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.

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