Johnny Ray Hughes
Johnny Ray Hughes, age 40 and affectionately known as “John-John,” died peacefully on Sept. 29, 2018, after battling a long illness. He was born in Akron on July 11, 1978, to Sheila Cowling-Wilcox and Johnny Ray Hughes, Sr.
Johnny grew up in Orrville with his beloved grandmother. He loved to shop and was an avid reader.
Excelling in academics, Johnny was successful in the fields of real estate, financial advising and the music industry. He was a very goal-oriented person who loved music, and this helped make his music label, Vigilant, a great success. He was an ambitious, kind-hearted, hard-working man who loved his family and all those he came in contact with. His spirit will live forever through his family, friends and his music.
Johnny was preceded in death by loving grandparents, John Henry and Betty Jean Cowling; sister, Candice Cowling; aunts, Charlene Cowling, Patricia Benford and Shelly White; and uncle, Willard Gibson, Jr.
Johnny leaves to cherish his memories his mother, Sheila Wilcox; father, Johnny Hughes, Sr.; brothers, Leone Cowling-Ruff and Kenyanna R. Cowling; sisters, Darnella (Christopher) Wofford and Helena Griffen; aunts, Veticia Pye of Birmingham, Alabama, Cheryl Cowling Bendium of Orrville and MaryAnn (Charles) Dodson of Miami, Florida; uncle, Jewell (Emma) Benford of Savannah, Georgia; cousins, Terrance Mosely of Columbus, Robert Battle of East Chicago, Illinois, Kimberly (Thomas) Maxey of Indianapolis, Indiana, Kisha Benford, Michael (Christy) Cowling of Morganton, North Carolina and Willard Gibson III of Orrville; and special friend, Jacqueline Gaines.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13 at Auble Funeral Home, 512 E. Oak St., Orrville, with Pastor Chuck Davis officiating.
Friends may call on Saturday at the funeral home from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Online registry and expressions of condolence may be made at the funeral home's website at www.aublefuneralhome.com.