Obituary of Uriel Mascus Hughes

Mr. Uriel Mascus Hughes, 72, of Ozark, Alabama passed away from a sudden illness early Sunday morning, March 12, 2006, at Flowers Hospital. After a long and caring life devoted to his family, his church, and his community, Mascus' last hours were spent surrounded by loved ones that shared their love of and memories of his life. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 14th in the Ozark Baptist Church with the Reverend Greg Aman and Reverend William P. (Bill) Hix officiating. Burial will follow in Skipperville Cemetery. Full Masonic Rites will be conducted at the gravesite by Claybank Masonic Lodge 908. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 P. M. until 7:00 P. M. Monday, March 13, 2006. The body will be in the church one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Ozark Baptist Church Building Fund, 282 South Union Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360. Mascus was a faithful member of Ozark Baptist Church where he was a Deacon. Since 1961, he served his church in many other ways, which also included the church training director. He was well known as the operator of the church sound system for many years and a key member of Don Turner's Sunday School Class. Mascus was a 32nd degree KCCH member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Dothan and also a member of the York Rite Bodies of Dothan. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Honors Club and a Past Master of Claybank Masonic Lodge 908. Mascus was born and reared in Dale County. His high sense of integrity, loyalty and devotion was instilled in him as young man working hand in hand with his father and uncles building houses, sharpening saws and looking after his aunts. He continued this further during high school by working as a bookkeeper for Mr. H.L. Daughtry of Ozark, Alabama. Upon his graduation from Dale county High School in 1952, his curiosity and devotion to work and friends was rewarded with Mr. Daughtry sending Mascus to get his FCC First Class Certificate to repair radios. He then spent 2 years repairing radios for various law enforcement agencies in Alabama. In 1954, Mascus voluntarily joined the United States Army and specialized in Radio Repair. He was stationed in Germany manning various transmitter sites. Upon his return from Germany in 1958 he joined the Alabama Army National Guard from which he retired as Sergeant First Class in 1994. Mascus worked as a civilian at Ft. Rucker's Hanchey Field with various private contractors and was affectionately known as "UM" by his coworkers until he retired in 1995. In 1959, Mascus also decided to join with another force. He met a sweet young girl who would become the love of his life, Ann King from Ozark. They were married in 1960 and remained best friends for the next 46 years. Mr. Hughes was preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. William G. (Mary Whitman) Hughes. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 46 years Ann King Hughes; one son and daughter-in-law David and Lisa Hughes, Fairfax, VA; two daughters and one son-in-law, Maryann Hughes and Alvin C. Ward, Freeport, FL; Tracy Hughes, Ozark, AL; two granddaughters Madison Hughes and Kennedy Hughes, Fairfax, VA; a grandson Emry Crews, Ozark, AL. Other survivors include 5 sisters and 2 brother-in-laws: Frances Hughes Wilson, Troy AL; Mellonae Willis, Panama City, FL; Bessie Rae Helms, Macon, GA; Rebecca (Becky) and Max Willoughby, Rocky Head, AL; Martha (Motsie) and Jim Alexander, Lilburn, GA. He was also survived by several nieces including April Simmons, Amy Lewis, Celia Simmons, and beloved cousin and friend, Andy Davis. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Flowers Hospital for their wonderful care and support. Mr. Hughes was a Christian man loved by many. He was a good husband and father for his family. He was loved by many people for the fine Christian man he was. Service Information