Jeffrey "Jeff" D. Hughes

Jeffrey Donald Hughes, 42, of Bunnlevel, Harnett County, North Carolina died on July 6, 2023, while swimming at Jordan Lake.  Jeff was a retired US Army Captain, recipient of both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.  A Wounded Warrior, he had served tours in Afghanistan and Kosovo.  His additional badges included Combat Action Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and Air Assault Badge among numerous other awards. 

Jeff was born in Sanford, Florida.  His survivors include his three children, Connor, Grace, and Luke Hughes; his former wife, Stefani Koerner Hughes; his parents, Robert “Bob” Hughes and Diane Holmstrom Hughes of Geneva, Florida; his brother, Daniel Hughes and his wife Molly; his brother, Timothy Hughes and his wife Rebecca; three nephews and eight nieces. He is also survived by his fiancé, Monica Campbell, and her two children.

Jeff had a passion for repurposing reclaimed wood into new items with a sentimental story attached.  A lover of the outdoors, he found great joy in camping with his children and exploring off road trails.  He enjoyed locating hidden gems like a pond or lake requiring 4-wheel drive to reach.  This was an escape that provided him peace as well as adventure.  He was skilled in working with engines and enjoyed making something fast run even faster from trucks to boats, to motorcycles.  He was a Mr. Fix It.  A patriot to the very end, he felt it important to take care of those he loved, especially his fellow soldiers.  Jeff never met a stranger and was everyone's best friend.  He was always kind, helpful, and positive to those who crossed his path.  He loved hard.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at Donaldson Funeral Home, 396 West St., Pittsboro, NC 27312. The family will receive friends afterwards.

An additional service will be held 2:00 p.m. on Saturday August 26th, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church, 270 First St., Geneva, FL.   Inurnment of Jeff's ashes will follow at later date.

Memorial tributes and messages for the family can be left on this page under the tribute wall.  In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 1990 Fordham Dr., Suite 100, Fayetteville, NC, 28304.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Hughes family.