David worked for over forty years, first, as a Case Worker at the Franklin County Welfare Department including CAMACO. He went on to retire from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections.
David was a Community Social Activist. He was an integral part of SCAT (Society for Creative Jazz Arts) which featured local, national and international artists at the King Arts Center, Columbus, Ohio. He was a member of the Thursday Noon Lunch Club: “Where men of power, distinction, and influence leave their egos and titles at the door…” He enjoyed talking openly and honestly about issues affecting black lives, current events and international matters. David never met a stranger and could debate you on any subject, at any time.
As an author, David published several books and articles including, The Atom of Africa, exploring the birth of the black culture in ancient times. He was an adamant supporter of “Little Brother.”
He leaves behind to cherish his memory; A loving and devoted companion, Lillian Smith. First cousins: Eddie Campbell, Annette Campbell, Charlesetta Higgins, Ernestine Benton, Florence Crutcher, Lillie Potts, Mildred Banks, Barbara Valentine, Thomas Brown and a large extended family who loved him dearly, Long-time life friends, Lawrence Auls, Robert Miller and so many others, Adopted families, Doreen Gentry-Davis and family, Marvenia Bosley and family, Donna Prillerman and family and the entire Columbus Community. David will be well missed.
Visitation 10 AM and Memorial Service 11 AM Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Rehoboth Temple, 1111 E. Long Street.
R, I. P. MY GOOD FRIEND
Rest In Peace my dear wonderful friend
You are deeply loved and missed
You’re forever in my heart thoughts and prayers
Rest In Peace my dear friend you will be greatly missed and forever in my thoughts heart and prayers I fondly remember when I came to Columbus you took me to get a Huge Lobster
What a beautiful gentleman you always were. You always had inspirational conversations. Rest In Peace Dear Friend You are missed.
Rest in Heaven. You are with your long time friends Karen and Sharon. I will always remember your big smile and your laugh which made everyone laugh. You will be missed!!!
Our thoughts are with the family. May the support of family and friends be a source of strength and the God of comfort a refuge in your time of need.
My condolences to Lillian and the family. David (Memphis) and I met at wv state college in 1958 a and we also worked together at Franklin county welfare department for several years. He met no strangers and was a joy to be around. Extremely intelligent. Rest in peace David and tell Parnell I said hello. We will meet again one day my friend. Peggy
I first met David in 1968 when I married Harold (Smitty) Smith, one of his closest friends going way back. I immediately fell in love with this wond of a man, enjoying every moment Smitty and I had a chance to spend with him. When the two of them were together, they talked so fast and laughed so hard that no one could understand a word they were saying, but couldn’t help but laugh simply from listening to them and the total joy they had sharing stories while tears of happiness ran down their faces.
Goodbye my sweet friend…
To the Lillian and the family of David Hughes… A God given gift of genius to this world! David was a great friend and mentor to my sons. He was always helpful, compassionate, pushing you into your own potential and greatness. My family will never forget the selfless love and support given us.
To Lillian and all of David’s family. What a wonderful person we were blessed to have in our lives! There was never a dull moment when David was around. His laughter, his love and compassion for everyone, his stern “ROAR” to keep us all on course, his smile…….David was one heck of a person. Knowing him, he’s probably already started a conversation group over “yonder.” Sure hate I didn’t know he had crossed over so I could have returned to Columbus and joined his other friends to celebrate a LIFE WELL LIVED!