Dewey Edward Hughes

Dewey Edward Hughes, age 87, of Hudson, Fla., passed away peacefully at his residence on September 14, 2026, with his beloved wife by his side.

Dewey was born on November 6, 1938, in Point Township, Ind., in a house wagon on the edge of Yellow Pond. His birth was especially memorable, as he was delivered by his great-grandmother, Tilly Yeida, and shared the same birthday as his great-grandfather, Henry Yeida. His birth was a cherished family story that was retold for generations.

For nearly 30 wonderful years, Dewey shared a loving life with his wife, Rita Wise. Their story began as neighbors in Fla., and they quickly became close, building a relationship filled with companionship, devotion, and countless cherished memories.

As a young man, Dewey worked on a farm in Wabash Bottoms, Ind., and often enjoyed cooling off with a swim in the nearby Ohio River after a day of hard work. He began his career as a crane operator before working at the Traylor Brothers Coal Terminal. Possessing a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Dewey went on to become a successful landowner and landlord. Throughout his life, he owned and operated a water well drilling business and a feed store, always willing to take on new challenges and opportunities.

Dewey began losing his eyesight in 1969 and eventually became blind. In 1975, he relocated to Florida, where the warmer climate allowed him greater independence and mobility.

Despite the challenges he faced, he remained determined, active, and engaged in the world around him.

He was a proud member of Pearl of the West Masonic Lodge, Ariepeka Elks Lodge 2520, and the Moose Lodge. He was also deeply involved with the Non-Concerned Citizens of Fowler’s Bluff, a gathering of local neighbors who met along the Suwannee River.

Dewey loved being outdoors. Whether boating on the water, taking walks, or simply enjoying nature, he found happiness in the fresh air and the beauty of the world around him. His unique independence and determination as a blind outdoorsman drew the attention of writers and journalists over the years. Dewey was featured numerous times in magazine articles, most notably in Rider magazine, where he became known to many as the “Blind Man on the Bluff.”

He will be remembered for his remarkable personality, intelligence, and endless knowledge. His family often described him as their “encyclopedia” because he seemed to know something about everything. He could fix almost anything, make friends wherever he went, and had a gift for making people feel comfortable in his presence. Those who knew him could spend hours with him without ever becoming bored, and everyone who met him quickly came to adore him.

Dewey leaves behind his loving wife, Rita Wise; his son, Devlin Hughes; his sisters, Sandra Winiger (Art “Fritz”), Karen Bauer Stump, and Robin Ricketts Hughes; his granddaughters, Shay Buck, Criston Carson, Chelsea Carson, and Hailey Hughes; many cherished great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his beloved cousin, Patty Coe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stoy Hughes and Mary Elliott Hughes; his sons, Dewey Hughes, Doug Hughes, and Dustin Hughes; his daughter, Tracye Tennant; and Sharon Burks Hughes, the mother of his children.

Dewey’s strength, wisdom, humor, and friendship touched countless lives. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

And with his passing, the honor of being the oldest living Yeida is now carried on by his beloved sister, Sandra “Sa” Winiger, a distinction that reflects the enduring legacy of a family he cherished throughout his life.

A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 11 a.m., at Grace Memorial Gardens, 16931 US Hwy 19 North, Hudson, FL 34667.

Burial was held on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 1 p.m., in Weiss Cemetery.

Condolences may be made online at www.schneiderfuneralhome.com.