William R. Pugh-Hughes or “Percy” as he was called as a child was the eldest of the late Rina and James Hughes born May 7, 1936 in Hickory Valley, Tennessee.

His education and life in Tennessee created a young man with strong desires and big dreams, so he left for New York City at the tender age of 17 to join his mother and seek his fortune. In New York he worked as a clerk at a grocery store and as a truck driver for Quality Quilting and Lilly Tools Cups to help his mother care for his 6 younger siblings. Always with a “head for business” he distinguished himself as the owner-operator of Show Place Taxi and Limousine service in Jamaica, Queens known for being one of the first car services to use premium Cadillac’s for their customer’s pleasure and convenience.

Affectionately called “Precious” by his dear mother, William was known for his charismatic personality and generous spirit, if he “had it” you could “get it”. He was tall, handsome and a sharp dresser, his motto was “a man is never completely dressed unless he was wearing a hat”. Money-making and fast-talking, he could sell you a bridge over dry land if necessary. He possessed a quick wit, infectious laugh and sense of humor. He loved pretty women, money, nice cars, his “momma” and pretty women. In this life it was his privilege to father nine children and he helped raise Delores, Robin Darryl, Alectra “Mooch” Sutton, Deborah and Kendall. Due to a series of accidents by 1982 William became wheelchair bound but he found joy and solace in the love and support of his family, watching basketball and listening to his favorite blues artists Bobby Blue Bland, Etta James and B.B. King.

William made his peaceful transition on July 17, 2014 and reunites in heaven with his son, Michael, adopted son, Tony, two brothers, James and John, sister, Bertha and special ladies, Doris Pugh & Keitha Hughes.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Percy Hughes (Joiyce) of Massachusetts, Irene Hughes of New York, Julius Hughes of New York, Chiffon Pugh-Black of New York, Tanya Pugh-Bostick (David, Sr.) of New York, Denise Bell of New York, Wilonda Hughes-Purvis (Timothy) of California, William Jamel Hughes (Shirlee) of Masschusetts, his brother Curtis Hughes (Donna) of Ohio, two sisters, Betty Hills of North Carolina, Melvada Hughes of New York, two sister-in-law, Betty Hughes & Donna Hughes, twenty-two grandchildren, Chivona, Damika, Percy Jr., Dureana, Jenisha, David Jr., Terrell, Tanya, Bernard, Destiny, Dashawn, Kelly, Kellen, Aldaysha, Don’t-a, Daniel, Jamaine, Jamarine, Emanii, Heaven, William Jamel, Kingston, fourteen great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Sorrowfully submitted by the Family.

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