Paul "Danny" Daniel Hughes

The Reverend Danny Hughes, 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Suwannee Valley Care Center, operated by Haven Hospice, in Lake City, Florida.

Born on January 13, 1949, in Tallahassee, Florida, Danny Hughes was the son of the late Paul Hughes and Virginia Hughes of Fitzgerald, Georgia. He grew up in Fitzgerald and attended Fitzgerald High School, where he was named Mr. FHS and played center for the Purple Hurricanes. He later graduated from Valdosta State University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Danny Hughes married his high school sweetheart, Martha Ellen Howell, and they shared 55 years of marriage. Throughout his ministry, he served churches in New Orleans, Louisiana, and in the Georgia communities of Valdosta, Tifton, Savannah, Sylvester, Jackson, Claxton, and Fitzgerald.

He was also president of the Rotary Club in Claxton and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Outside of his ministry and community service, he enjoyed playing golf, bass fishing, mowing the grass, and cheering for the Florida State Seminoles.

Danny Hughes is survived by his wife, Martha Ellen Hughes of Lake City, Florida; his son, Rob Hughes, and his wife, Amber Hughes, of Lake City; his brother, Chris Hughes, and his wife, Susan Hughes, of Fitzgerald, Georgia; three grandchildren, Griphyn Harper and his wife, Julia Harper, Attica Hughes, and Aubree Hughes; and one great-grandchild, Maisie Harper.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Fitzgerald. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Christian Kitchen, P.O. Box 1195, Fitzgerald, Georgia 31750.

Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. The funeral home may be reached at (386) 752-1954.