Max Hayden Hughes of Canton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born in Ducktown, Tennessee, he was the tenth of twelve children of Thomas Aden Hughes and Nola Iowa Hughes. Max graduated from Ducktown High School in 1955 and proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959.

Following his military service, Max dedicated his career to Delta Air Lines, working from 1959 until his retirement in 1994. Even after retirement, he continued to contribute in various roles with Delta until 2018. In recognition of over 50 years supporting aviation safety and maintenance, he received the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” Award from the Federal Aviation Administration in 2013.

Max was a lifelong learner and a trailblazer in his family, earning his Associate’s degree from Clayton State in 1991 and becoming the first in his family to receive a four-year college degree with a B.S. from Georgia State in 1997.

A man of deep faith, Max was a member of Second Ponce DeLeon Baptist Church and previously served as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. He participated in a number of mission service trips to Central America and Africa, helping build churches and schools.

Max’s passions extended beyond his professional and spiritual life. In his younger years, he was a highly competitive table tennis player and remained a committed lifetime blood donor. A dedicated Mason for over 60 years, Max’s service and commitment to community were unwavering.

He is survived by his loving wife, Martha Leona Hughes; his children and their spouses, Michael (Marie) Hughes, Mark (Marilyn) Hughes, and Marla (Dana) Shepard; six grandchildren, Matthew (Allison) Hughes, Rebecca (Steve) MacDonald, Thomas Hughes, Caroline (Aidan) Filley, Greg (Kelsie) Shepard, and Lauren Shepard Randolph; and eight great-grandchildren, Charlie Eshbach, Audrey Eshbach, Robert MacDonald, Nathan Hughes, Jackson Hughes, Marlena Shepard, Joanna Shepard, and Henry Shepard.

Visitation will be held on April 29, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Darby Funeral Home in Canton, Georgia, with funeral services following at 11:30 a.m. A graveside service with military honors service will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.

Max will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, faith, and community. His legacy of service, love, and determination will continue through all who knew him.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Max Hayden Hughes.