of Little Rock, AR
February 21, 1941 - February 16, 2024
Joshua Edgar McHughes, of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, affectionately known as the littlest Josh or Eddie, was born on February 21, 1941. He is preceded in death by his parents, Josh W. McHughes and Verna E. McHughes. On February 16, 2024, Josh left his earthly tent to return home to Heaven and he will be greatly missed. Josh is survived by his daughter, Destiny McHughes; Audrey Smith, sister; Clayton Smith (Stephanie), nephew; Eliza Smith, great niece; Juventino Hernandez, son; Luke & JT Hernandez, grandsons and Ninfa Hernandez, granddaughter.
To know him was to love him.
He managed to find his way into mischief as a kid, teen, in college and into adulthood, which lead him to have many unique encounters and stories.
Throughout his childhood, Josh was a multifaceted athlete and enjoyed playing football, baseball and running track. He was top 10 in the nation for high school track athletes. Josh was a senior at LRCHS in 1959 during the Lost Year, following the integration of the school. He attended the University of Monticello, the University of Arkansas School of Law, then passed the bar exam in 1967. He worked at a gas station while he built his law practice on the side. He practiced law for 57 years and was well regarded in the legal community.
Josh was an amazing person that lived an amazing life. His journey took him from work on the farm to recognition in the Oval Office and travels around the world for multiple pursuits. Throughout his lifetime he exhibited an altruistic and philanthropic spirit that touched every person he met. He was involved in his community, held civic offices and coached children's sports. Josh took joy in seeing others succeed and helped numerous people achieve their educational goals and deal with housing and work challenges. Josh helped many people throughout his years as a counselor, listening to their problems, giving advice and providing guidance to those who ask.
Josh loved to travel whether for vacation, cooking, pool shooting competitions, or as a student of history. He won international awards for cooking barbecue and chili, had an extensive garden and studied history. He loved animals as much as he loved people and having a good time.
Josh was kind, generous, funny, intelligent and genuine. He never met a stranger, was never quick to anger and not one to stay angry long or to hold a grudge.
There was no one like him and he will forever be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at Asbury United Methodist in Little Rock on March 2, 2024 at 10:30am followed by a celebration of life.
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12 Condolence(s)
Lisa Martin
Thursday, February 29, 2024
My condolences to the family. I worked for him for over 20 years very kind hearted man.
DAVID HALE
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Friend - always - no love greater defined by the scriptures
For Whom the Bell Tolls - I lost a part of me
Angel Revels
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Josh was such a soul. A force to be reckoned with. He could tell you stories for days and never run out. He was one of a kind and be sorely missed.
Ken Haremza
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Josh was a Great, and Funtastic guy, throughout Life. We worked together on many Greater Little Rock and State JC teams projects. When moving out of state in 1974, I left one of our dogs he loved to play with.
My last visit with Josh was brief, when I received a US JC Senatorship at meeting in Little Rock, on April 29, 2022 Memories live on forever, the good times we shared.
Soap Box derbies and cooking in his back yard.
Lisa Montgomery
Monday, February 26, 2024
Eddie was one of the best guys I’ve ever known. He was like a big brother to me. He helped and encouraged me as a child and young woman. He believed in me and influenced my life more than he would ever know. He was always there for my family. Especially my sister, Carol. I’m so grateful he stayed in with her throughout life. He was always checking to make sure she knew he was there, thinking of her well being. Eddie, I will always remember you with fondness and love.
Paula Henry
Monday, February 26, 2024
Arthur Frenchie Boutiette
Monday, February 26, 2024
A friend for over 50 years. A great Jaycee leader.A man who always epitomized kindness and generosity. Most importantly an honorable man! He left something within everyone who called him friend. Rest in peace good and faithful servant…
Stubby Stumbaugh
Sunday, February 25, 2024
Please accept my condolences for the passing of Josh. We have shared many Jaycees stories over the years. He was a Paste State President of the Arkansas Jaycees. Thank you for the love and the laughter Josh. You will be missed Sir.
Linda Kordsmeier
Sunday, February 25, 2024
Never did a holiday pass that we didn't get a phone call from Josh wishing us the best.
We go back to being so young in our twenties, to meeting at too many funerals lately. He was such a sweet guy! If there's beer in heaven there's a gang of Jaycees enjoying it now!
Ken and Karen Wolfe
Sunday, February 25, 2024
Josh was a wonderful friend. We are richer for having known him.
Judge John Langston
Sunday, February 25, 2024
Good friend, law school roommate, and colleague. RIP
RAY Hackworth
Sunday, February 25, 2024
We will Josh's sense of humor. he was a good friend to many.