Carrol Kendrick Hughes

Carrol Kendrick Hughes Spartanburg – Carrol Kendrick Hughes, 69, wife of the late Kenneth Robert Hughes, died Saturday, January 2, 2016. She was born on August 19, 1946 to the late Edwin Yates and Ruby Boyd Kendrick. Carrol (affectionately known as Khaki to those who loved her most) embraced life as a gift and searched for joy and laughter in every situation. She was raised in Morganton, NC where she grew up with friends and cousins as part of her everyday life and learned about the importance of friendship and loyalty. While she attended college at Appalachian State she continued to develop more lifelong friendships. Her heart for special education led her to Rutherford County, NC where she taught at Cool Springs School. It was there that she stole the heart of her beloved Ken Hughes. Chasing her to Colorado with a romantic proposal, they began their lives as husband and wife in December of 1970. Ken and Carrol often found themselves apart physically but never a moment were their hearts out of sync with one another. Ken always agreed that "he made the living and she made it worth living". Carrol's love of people and sports led her to countless friendships with tennis players, golfers, softball and basketball players as well as coaches of all ages as she coached and played her entire life. Her devotion to family near and far was never ceasing. Her definition of family was never limited to her own DNA and she had countless “sons and daughters” that all loved her like family as well. Carrol was both encourager and biggest advocate for those she believed in. With Carrol on your team, you were destined to accomplish great things. She convinced every David that they could defeat their Goliath. Nothing was ever sugar coated but you knew to expect truth, honesty, love and encouragement. After leaving a conversation or counseling session, you walked away feeling like a superstar and as if you had discovered yet another piece in the puzzle of life. After moving to Spartanburg in the late 90’s, her circle of friends continued to broaden. Carrol was always passionate about furthering God’s Kingdom. From she and Ken's antics with the children's bus ministry at Main Street Baptist in Spindale to multiple mission trips with First Baptist in Spindale and culminating with her work with the LIGHT Ministry from Anderson Mill Road Baptist Church at Miracle Hill Mission. Her dedication and devotion to serve God was both fiery and contagious. Carrol embraced her role as wife, mother, grandmother, sister, niece, aunt, cousin, coach and friend to all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love and service that could never be forgotten. She impacted so many lives and we were all better for having known her. Carrol is survived by a son, Ken R. Hughes, Jr. and his wife Cindy B. Hughes; a daughter, Karen H. Sikes and a sister, Mrs. Charles Farr (June). She was blessed with five grandchildren, Emma and Yates Sikes, Kade, Kole, and Halle Jane Hughes. Carrol was predeceased by a sister Jo Anne K. Cline. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at the Dunbar Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. The family would like to extend thanks to the staff of Spartanburg Regional Medical Center as well as Spartanburg Regional Hospice House. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Miracle Hill Rescue Mission; 189 N. Forest St., Spartanburg, SC 29301