Edward Burch "Burt" Hughes

Edward Burch “Burt” Hughes, age 48, passed away on November 9, 2024. A beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Burt was known for his artistry, sense of adventure, and dedication to those he loved - most especially his nieces and nephews.

Burt was born in Florence and he spent his youth in discovery - exploring his art, music, friendships, mischief with his brothers and sisters, and the half pipe. Burt pursued art, specifically painting, at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), a practice he continued almost daily throughout his life with the storage unit holding all of it to prove it. After a childhood apprenticing with his father, Burt found his professional home with Croghan’s Jewel Box as a Master Jeweler, where his craftsmanship and talent was on display in every piece - from repairing family heirlooms to the design of countless treasures and trinkets for those he loved, and even a few miniature swords for kicks. 

Burt’s art was woven into the very fabric of his life. He sketched endlessly, painted, crafted music playlists, and - as the self appointed keeper of memories, he took photos with abandon. Through all of it he created a tapestry of his life, our life together, that has left an indelible mark. 

Those photos would tell you a story of a man who loved baseball - especially the games he saw with his brothers, road trips across the country, an endless series of jokes, growing his nieces and nephews up in the joy of skateboarding and sketching. They would show you a blended family that came together in the love and good times he often prompted. If you were to look into the window of his life you’d find stacks of canvas in all states of completion, a record collection to rival any musician, the partnership he built with his long term girlfriend, Bella, stacks and stacks of photographs, printed to capture the countless moments and laughs he shared with those he loved. 

Burt’s family, and friends he considered family, were at the center of his world, and he cherished his role as uncle and Chief of Fun to his many nieces and nephews. He was deeply loved by his siblings and extended family, who will remember him with a smile first, and then for his caring nature, his youthful spirit, deep loyalty, and the way he always made others feel special.

Burt is survived by his life partner, Isabella “Bella” Cordina, father, Edward Leon “Eddie” Hughes and his wife Stephanie; his siblings, Wade Hughes and his wife Jessica (Emma, Thomas, Connor), Bryant Gardner and his wife Mary Beth (Camille), Julie Varnadore and her husband Tim (Cameron, Carsyn), Ashley Stokes (Wesley, Brooklynn, Bryce), Christopher Hughes, Katelyn Garrett, Peden Gray (Quinton); as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were like family to him. We are certain it is with true joy that he is reunited with his mother, Pamela “Pam” Jo Griffin. 

While his passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew him, Burt's legacy will live on through the love and gifts he shared with the world. His family and friends take comfort in knowing that his fun loving and light-hearted approach to life can continue to inspire all of us. He’ll live on in that and through those he saved with organ donation.

Burt’s family asks that all who knew him honor his memory by living with the same sense of good humor, welcome, kindness, and creativity that he brought to the world. Next time you get out to skate, listen to a good (or obscure) song, take a moment with a piece of art, or invest quality time with those you love, we know he’d be smiling with a shoulder nudge to spare. His laughter, love, and light will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A private Celebration of Life of Burt's life is planned by his family. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children.