Bennie Lee Hughes

Bennie Lee Hughes was born on April 18, 1939, in Jonesville, South Carolina. He was the youngest of five children born to Rev. Thomas and Mother Sallie S. Hughes Jr. After a brief illness Bennie was called from “Earth to Eternity” to be with the Lord on February 23, 2023. Rev. Thomas and Mother Sallie S. Hughes Jr. moved their family to Baltimore, Maryland in 1955 where Bennie completed his education at Frederick Douglass High School. On November 19, 1961, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served until October 31, 1967, receiving an honorable discharge. He married the love of his life, Helen 0. Hughes on, August 31, 1968. They were married for almost 55 years at the time of his passing. They lived all their married lives in Baltimore, Maryland and since October 1972, 51 of those years were spent at their current home. Bennie was employed was a Plant Manager with Kingly Manufacturing in Arbutus and remained with the company until they moved their operation to the Mid west. Taking the advisement of his brother Judson, Bennie applied for a position with the United States Post Office and worked at the Lutherville Timonium Office until he received a permanent position in Baltimore County, where he worked until he retired. Bennie loved sports and even played softball for several years with community leagues. When he no longer actively played the game, his love for sports did not stop. He was a season ticket holder for the Baltimore Orioles. He also became a faithful supporter of football in Baltimore. He was a season ticket holder for the Baltimore Colts until that night when they moved away. Then he became a die hard fan and season ticket holder for the Baltimore Ravens until his health did not permit him to attend the games. Bennie was a quiet man, often of few words. However, he let you know that he loved the Lord by the greeting he gave whenever anyone came to visit. His words were always that "God is Good!" His wife Helen said he loved reading the word of God. She shared that he was often found in his room or at the dining room table reading his Bible. Bennie also loved his family. His parent's home was the central place for gatherings. He would show up and greet family with a hug and a kiss on the forehead and say, "Hey how are you doing?" Even during some of the difficult days of illness, when you walked into his room and called his name, he would place his hand on his chest, smile at you, and profess that "God is Good." Before you left, he would tell you that "he loved you." Proceeding him in death are his Father Reverend Thomas Hughes, Jr. and Mother Sallie S. Hughes, his brothers, Thomas and Monroe Hughes and his sisters Alberta Smith and Gussie Watson. Bennie leaves to mourn the love of his life, Helen O Hughes, older brother Judson, brother-in-law Alexander Watson and sister-in-law, Gayle M. Hughes. He also leaves his five nephews, Carl V. Smith (Sherri) of Baltimore, William 0. Smith (Shoshanna) of Florida, Reginald Smith (Justine) of Ohio, John Hughes (Cynthia) of Maryland, Lester Speight of California, three nieces Janice Atkinson, Leslie Green, and Deborah Smith, seven great nieces, three great nephews, two great-great nieces, one great-great nephew, and two God daughters - Leatrice (Lea) Perry-Carter of South Carolina and Hillary Wyatt of Baltimore, Maryland. He also leaves three friends for life – Maurice Harrison, Howard Tutman from the original YACs – Youngs Adults Club and Wallace Perry who was in his wedding. There are so many more we could mention, numerous cousins, extended family and friends who will miss “Gentle Ben.”

Tributes

Bennie Lee Hughes

April 18, 1939 - February 23, 2023