Robert William Hughes, age 73, of Huntsville, AL, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2017. He was surrounded by family. Bob, one of 8 children, was born June 3, 1943 in Ogdensburg, N.Y. to William and Elizabeth Hughes. He grew up in Norfolk, Virginia. Bob graduated from
Virginia Tech Institute, earning a degree in aerospace engineering in 1966. He had worked for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center as a co-op during college. At Marshall, he met his future wife Pam.

During his career, Bob became the Chief Engineer of Inertial Upper Stages at Marshall, as well as a Manager of the Development Projects Office. His decades of leadership responsibilities were full of challenges and honors. Some of his awards were: Marshall Space Flight Center Leadership, awarded in Washington D.C.; Special Service Award for Exceptional Leadership while Chief Engineer of the Orbital Space Plane Program; 20th Anniversary Honoree Award for
Marshall Space Flight Center; and the Silver Snoopy Award.

One of Bob's most treasured honors was being named Chairman of the NASA X-43 Flight Team in 2004. The challenge was to ascertain why the craft had experienced two previous unsuccessful missions. The team achieved their goal, under tight parameters and deadlines,
earning a Guinness World Record for reaching Mach 6.83 over the Pacific Ocean.

In addition to Bob's many professional accomplishments, he always found time for his family and grandchildren. He was a dedicated volunteer and coach for his sons' sports teams while
they were growing up. The American Red Cross appreciated his 40 years of being a blood and platelet donor and volunteer. He was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church.

Bob is survived by Pam, his wife of 51 years; his children Bill (Barbara) Hughes, Jim Hughes, and Steve (Lisa) Hughes, and his grandchildren Audrey, Anders and David. His siblings include:Rick Hughes, Barbara (Roy) Watenpool, Greg (Sue) Hughes, Mary (Stan) Stone, Doug (Rene)
Hughes, Judy (Terrell) Shaddix and James Hughes who was recently deceased.

Bob's life was a testament to his devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The family will always treasure his lifelong commitment to God, which was so evident in his familial and communal life.

A memorial service celebrating Bob's life will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church in Huntsville on Sunday, March 5th at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Presbyterian or Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care.

Berryhill Funeral Home is assisting the family.