William “Billy” Ballard Hughes, 82 of Ebb Tide Beach in Westmoreland passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024 in Mary Washington Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Fredericksburg, he settled there and built a life filled with love, joy and love for music, guitars and classic westerns. Billy’s passion was building “one of a kind” guitars from raw wood. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Joyce Osborne Hughes; his daughter, Tracy Hughes Wolf (Phillip); his two granddaughters, Madison Wolf Kennedy (Jonathan) and Abigail Wolf (Zander Cottrell). He was like a father to his nephew, Greg Calamos and like a grandfather to Kendall Calamos Bagby, Derrick Calamos, Arlo Bagby, Mayla Bagby and Peyton Calamos. He was preceded in death by his two sons, Troy Hughes and William Derrick Hughes, two brothers and two sisters.

Billy Hughes was a man of kindness, love and humor. His laughter and smile will be remembered by all that knew him and his beautiful songs he played will echo in our hearts and be cherished by us all. Selfishly we are so sorry he is no longer with us but out of love and compassion we are so happy he isn’t in pain any longer but rather hugging his mother his two sons Troy, Derrick his brothers and sisters and his sister in law Jinxie our angel. We are joyed he is now bathed in Love and understanding standing with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Know we are sad, but happy all in one and look forward to embracing you again in time.

Billy’s wishes were to be cremated and the family will have a private gathering to celebrate his life later.