of Southside, AR
July 22, 1949 - December 17, 2023
Raymond Ellis Hughey passed away in Batesville, AR on Sunday, December 17, 2023. He was 74 years old. Raymond was born the 10th child of Raiford Sharp and Mable Clara Walker Hughey on July 22, 1949. Raymond was a carpenter by trade but a musician at heart. He played both the piano and organ from the age of 8 and during his lifetime opened for such names as Conway Twitty and played with Conway's daughter, Joni. He toured Canada with ''Paul Revere and the Raiders'' lead guitarist and played The King Biscuit Festival many years with Levon Helm of ''The Band'', as well as The C.W. Gatlin Band. He even played with Bonanza's Lorne Greene for a week at the rodeo. His favorite band though was one started with his brother, Eugene and his sister, Connie, which they lovingly called ''Our Grand Parents Children''. But, if you asked Raymond the only star he ever played for was Jesus Christ. Raymond's passion for music was only overshadowed by his passion for his family.
Raymond leaves behind his son, Milus (Nicole) Hughey of Batesville, AR and daughters, Claire (David) Jones of Graceville, FL and Melissa Grace Hughey of Sunflower, MS. He is survived by his grandchildren, Abrianna, Raelynn, Mylah and Brennan Hughey, Jamison Hughey and Brayden Jones. He is also survived by brother, Toney (Gloria) Hughey of St. Charles, IL; sisters, Mary Ann Walker of Griffith, IN, Linda Pedigo (Jim) of Roland, AR, Carolyn Forkum (Michael) of Lafayette, TN and special friend, Kathleen Cuccia.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Joseph Ellis Hughey and siblings, Jimmy Hughey, John Hughey, Billy Ray Hughey, Clavis 'Gene' Hughey, Nell Orcutt and Connie Hanson.
He was blessed with a host of special nephews and nieces throughout his lifetime.
A celebration of life will be Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in Helena, AR. Visitation will take place at 1 pm with funeral to follow at 2 pm.
Raymond's music, creativity and love of life will be greatly missed by all of those who knew him, but our grief is comforted in the fact that he has met Jesus face to face and is playing with the band called "the Heavenly Host".
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 18705722571.
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27 Condolence(s)
EVA THOMPSON KENNEDY
Friday, February 23, 2024
I DID NOT KNOW RAYMOND HAD PASSED. I'VE THOUGHT ABOUT HIM FOR MANY YEARS. HE WAS MY BOYFRIEND IN GRADE SCHOOL IN HELENA. WE RECONNECTED IN THE LATE 70'S. HE WAS SUCH A GOOD MAN. I LOVED THIS PHOTO OF HIM. HE WILL BE MISSED!
Lynn Corbitt
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
I so hate to hear this. He was one of the best. Many memories. RIP ol friend.
Danny Patton
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Raymond could play with anyone in the country, and beyond, and be an asset to them. You are missed brother.
Mary Ann Baxter Dorman
Monday, December 25, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to have known Raymond in the mid 60s when we were teenagers. . At that time he was playing the organ in a small band and was so talented even at such a young age. I have such fond memories of that time and was very sorry to hear of his passing. I will remember your family in my prayers.
wayne allen tenhet
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Wonderful Musicians,each and every one of them. RIP Raymond.
Betty Cockrill
Friday, December 22, 2023
Milus and family, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. I pray our Heavenly Father gives you peace and comfort.
Arlie King
Friday, December 22, 2023
Raymond and I were Friends up until the time I left for the Air force after HS.
He played so well at places like Conway and the Casabonita. He was a cool guy whose entire Family
were extremely talented.
I tried several times to contact him but couldn’t run him down.
I’m saddened by his passing and can only offer my prayers. Sorry I missed you Raymond.
Valerie Wilkinson McMickle
Friday, December 22, 2023
I knew Raymond many years and he was such a nice guy. I always loved their music. Our Grandparents Children were the best band ever. Glad to know they are all playing together again. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Ashley Jackson
Thursday, December 21, 2023
We love and are thinking of all the family. Uncle Raymond will always be thought of very highly. He always had a smile on his face and joy in his heart! His passion for playing the piano was most definitely entertaining as well:)
Patsy Campbell Orcutt
Thursday, December 21, 2023
the world, family and friends have lost a special man, but heaven has gained an angel that will join in the heavenly choir.
Prayers for the family and friends...may you have peace and
Butch Scaife
Thursday, December 21, 2023
So very sorry for your loss. I played bass guitar for Our Grand Parents Children with Raymond, Connie, and Gene, and had a wonderful time full of laughter and joy. I am joyful in knowing that the trio is playing sweet music in heaven. All are in my heart. RIP my old friend.
Larry smart
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Well the music world in heaven just got another member I can remember grandparents children trim way back always liked Raymond my prayers go out to the family play on my friend
Eddie & Karen Lumpkin
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
So deeply sadden to hear of your loss! Raymond was always such a great man to our family!!!
Many years of great memories.
You all are in our prayers.
Cindy Stumph
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Phil and I are so sorry for your loss. Raymond was a very nice man. Praying for you guys…
glenn pittman
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
raymond was a friend and a very nice person. i knew him from the third grade at the jefferson school on beech street at helena, arkansas to the centeral high school in west helena, arkansas. he allways had a smile for anyone he met. i will miss my friend. glenn pittman conway, arkansas.
Larry Blair
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
So sorry to hear of Raymond’s passing. He was a very good friend have many fond memories he is a great guy.
Loyce Summerhill Corbitt
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Great memories from our childhood growing up at Helena Crossing. The Hughey's were the most musically talented family I have ever known. We would listen to the radio on the school bus and he and Connie could play the songs we had just listened to on their piano at home. May he rest in peace.
Tammy Orcutt Meziere
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
My summers were spent in Arkansas with my father Buddy Orcutt and Stepmother Nell Orcutt. My fondest memories were spending time with all the aunts, uncles and cousins of the Hughey family. I remember spending many nights at Uncle Raymond’s with Joseph and other cousins. There was always piano playing, singing and laughing going on. Memories I cherish and will never forget! My condolences to the family.
Beverly Fridell
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Prayers for the family.
Dana Moody Manuel
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
I am so sorry to hear that the piano man has gone on ahead!
Harvey Green
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Raymond’s passing; I had no idea that he was ill. Raymond was one of my most favorite people and friends from the 60s. My mom and dad if they were still of this earth would be sincerely saddened.
Of all the musicians I had the pleasure and honor to perform with, Raymond holds my most favorite memory. Such a fine individual and an accomplished musician.
May God bless his soul and welcome him into his eternal new home.
So long my friend, I’m so sorry you were called home so soon.
HG
Vincent Pittman
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
So sad hearing about Raymond's passing. We started school together in Helena and reminded friends over the years. He sent me a CD of his music a few years ago that I still enjoy. It has been an honor and privilege to have known several members of his family who were all so talented.
Ann Hargraves Lee
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
So sorry to read of Raymond’s death. He was a classmate of mine at Central.
Claudia L Marsh
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
My thoughts and prayers go out for Raymond's family and friends. He is now in a much better place.
Claudia Marsh
Tammie King
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Thanks to all the great music your family played at Oscar's on Moon Lake back in the 70's. You made great memories for all of us back then. I think of days a lot. RIP.
Janie Scaife
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
So sorry for your loss.
Beverly Knight
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Sending my prayers to each family member. Milus, Claire and Melissa you are all in my prayers. Your dad is now playing his music for Jesus.