Mr. Ira Alvin Hughes, age 84, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Tues evening, July 2, 2013 at the local hospital. Ira was born July 29, 1928 in Catoosa County, Georgia, a son of the late Floyd and Hattie Jane Brackett Hughes. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Imojean Lawhorn and brothers; Warren, Winfred and Marvin Hughes. He was retired from Textile Rubber, Inc. and was a member of Highland Church of Christ. He was a loving brother, father and a friend to many. He was a natural jokester and loved to tell a good joke.

He is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Lisa and Robert Cross, Vicky Patterson; grandchildren, Eric and Hollie Patterson, Brandon Patterson, Ashley Neal, Nichelle Talley and Brandon Cross; sister and brother-in-law, Sue and C.L. Coker of Dalton, GA; Neva Reeves of Florida; brother and sister-in-law, Hobert and Imojean Hughes of Ringgold, GA; thirteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Ira Alvin Hughes will be held Saturday, July 6, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Tyler Gilreath officiating. He will be laid to rest at the Dailey Hill Cemetery in Catoosa County, Georgia, with Brandon Patterson, Kade Harrod, David Stanley,DavidWeathers, Trem Coffeeand Clint Benson serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 4:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. on Friday.

Arrangements by, Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA 30721, 706-226-4002.

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