Rev. Wilson Dee Hughes

Rev. Wilson Dee Hughes Carthage, MS Wilson Hughes was born May 20, 1936, in Meridian, Mississippi, to Fred Hughes and Evie Maxey Hughes. He was born fourth out of nine children, four boys and five girls. Wilson was twelve years old when his family moved from Meridian to Leake County, Mississippi, near Carthage. He helped his dad farm, cut logs, and cut crossties. His formal education ended in the ninth grade as his dad and mom needed help, and to also help with his younger siblings. He married the love of his life, Lillian Lucille Barnes, on March 24, 1954, and they have been married for 67 years. They were blessed with two sons, Wilson Dee, Jr and Robert Paul and two daughters, Cynthia Renee and Juawana Cheray. In 1957, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bertis and Emma Jean Moore invited Wilson and Lucille to a revival at Cherry Chapel, Laurel Hill, Mississippi. Evangelist Lathen C. Sibley was preaching a revival for Pastor Amos Taylor. He began his spiritual journey that night, and for the next eight weeks, from July 12 to September 21, he earnestly prayed for the Holy Ghost. Wilson stated, "Revival services were held 5-6 nights per week, and during this time I wore out the toes of my good shoes and the knees out of my church pants in the altar". September 21 was his special night as the Holy Ghost came into his heart, and he became a new creature in Christ Jesus. He received his call to preach the gospel in 1962 but didn't immediately begin preaching. Kind of like Jonah, he went in the other direction. He and his family moved to Louisiana, but his son became very sick, and he and his family moved back to the Laurel Hill area. That same year he was elected pastor of Cherry Chapel and served from 1962 until 1974. After he resigned from Cherry Chapel, he and his family attended Bethlehem Pentecostal Church, pastored by Rev. James Rushing, for about 2 years. From 1976-1982 he served as pastor in Ackerman and built a new church building there. In May of 1982, he founded the Edinburg Church. There he remained until July 2020. While pastoring in Edinburg, he built a new church building. His pastorals totaled 58 years. In 2020, when the Church Congregation elected Billy Sanders as pastor, Wilson became Senior Pastor. Wilson had been very active in the ministry and served as Director of Home Missions in Sections Four and Seven. Also, he served as Section Seven Youth Director. He truly loves lost souls and has a passion for seeing them saved. During his ministry, because the churches were not self-supporting, he was bi-vocational. While pastoring in Ackerman, he worked in a clothing factory and also served as a volunteer fireman. During his pastoral at Cherry Chapel and Edinburg, he was a machine operator in a clothing factory. He was responsible for cutting the materials to make the final products shipped to wholesale and retail stores. Wilson Hughes remains, A GENTLE GIANT OF THE GOSPEL, who led many to the saving grace of Jesus Christ during his 58 pastoral years. "HONOR TO A GREAT MAN!!!" Visitation will be at Edinburg Pentecostal Church on Sunday, June 14th from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm and again Monday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Services are set for 4:00 pm Monday, June 15, 2026 at Edinburg Pentecostal with Bro. Greg Fortenberry, Bro. Billy Sanders, and Bro. David Tipton officiating. Interment will be in New Prospect Cemetery. Wilcox Funeral home is in charge of arrangements. In addition to his 4 children, he is survived by a brother, Bobby Hughes and a sister, Alma Jean Watkins; 9 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille; a grandson, Colton Netherland, and a great-grandson, Cooper Moore. Serving as pallbearers are Eric Hughes, Justin Moore, Brad Hughes, Jeremy Moore, Trey Hughes, and Quit Ellis.

Rev. Wilson Dee Hughes

May 20, 1936 - June 12, 2026

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Rev. Wilson Dee Hughes

May 20, 1936 - June 12, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Contact Us

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support