Charles Lee

Hughes

Deacon Charles L. HUghes Sr. affectionally known as "Tuna", "Mr. Charles" or "Dec", was born to R. Bell Hughes and Coleman Hughes on December 19, 1952 in Toledo, Ohio. He departed this life Friday, April 4, 2025.

Charles attended Gunkel Elementary and Libbey High School. He furthered his education by graduating with a Bachelor's Degree from the University Of Toledo and a Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling from Bowling Green State University in 2001.

At a young age, he confessed his belief in Christ and joined Jerusalem Baptist Church with Pastor S.M. Jordan. Later, Charles became affiliated with Friendship Baptist Church under Bishop Tisdale until moving to Atlanta. Upon returning to Toledo, he rejoined Jerusalem under Pastor Perryman. Finally, he united with The Greater Faith Fellowship Church under Pastor Melvin Barnes Sr.

Charles was preceded in death by both parents; sister, Alberta Hughes; former wife, Renetha Hughes and mother of his daughter, Serena Meredith. He leaves to cherish the sweet memories of his life, wife, Adrain Washington Hughes; former wife, Roberta Hughes and the mother of his twin children, Charlene and Charles Jr. ; daughter, Dione Meredith; step daughters, Tiffany Meredith, Anataia Thomas and Zhiene Washington; his siblings; sister , Queen Esther Barringer; brothers, Freddy Hughes, Melvin Hughes and Wilbur Eugene Hughes; sister-in-law, Yashica Hughes. His best friend and "road dog": was Reggie Coley. Charles leaves a host of relatives and friends that were too numerous to cite, all of whom he sincerely cared for and loved.

Tuna will not only be remembered for overcoming his addictive practices, but also allowing this victory to fuel his passion for counseling others to embrace their own sobriety. Leading by example was his motto of which, Tuna did in maintaining 32 years of sobriety. He stated that it still was a day by day continuous process; hence, his regular attendance at meetings even when ill. If he could change, he knew others could! Charles was instrumental in helping to start Fresh Attitudes with LaMarr Norwood and Hughes and Shannon Recovery Center in Atlanta. He also worked at various positions in the recovery field.

Most important of all, Charles believed in the "Shot Caller", The Lord Jesus Christ, WHO was the Ultimate ORCHESTRATOR and SUSTAINER of his life and the GOD of infinite chances leading to victor in HIM.