Nathaniel Barker Hughes, Jr., former TVA Manager of Power, and longtime resident of Chattanooga was received into the loving arms of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, on December 11, 2025.

"Nat", as he was called, was born in Birmingham, AL, on December 14,1922 to Nathaniel Barker Hughes, Sr. and Catherine Conner Hughes. He grew up during the Great Depression in Birmingham, AL, and graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1941. Nat served three years in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific Theater including the invasion of Luzon Island, Philippines and preparations to invade Japan. After the war, Nat graduated from Auburn University with a degree in electrical engineering. Known for his proficiency in college, he solved physics problems for many students that were on his dry-cleaning route. Nat also served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1946 until 1950.

Nat began his career at TVA in 1947 as an electrical engineer and achieved the title of Professional Engineer. He was stationed in Memphis for his first nine years at TVA. There he worked maintaining and operating the electrical transmission lines and substations. He then came to the TVA power operations Chattanooga office where he held several management positions before ultimately being promoted to Manager of Power (head of the TVA electric power system). During his term, he  served on President Nixon's scientific team to the former Soviet Union and was a member of both the Tennessee and Kentucky Governor's energy study committees. Upon leaving TVA, Nat served as a consultant in the electric power industry.

A man dedicated to serving Jesus Christ and others, Nat served as an Elder at 1st Presbyterian Church Chattanooga since 1963. He was the former president of the Chattanooga Chapter of Child Evangelism; president of Tennessee Bible Mission; Sunday school teacher for 15 years; short term missionary to Spain and Ecuador; and volunteer for the Boys Club and the Boys Scouts of America.

Known for his handiwork, Nat was a master craftsman having produced many exquisite items from his woodworking shop. On a mission trip to Spain, Nat led a group of volunteers installing a high voltage electrical line serving a building under renovation.

A true gentleman with an unassuming nature, Nat was faithful to God, his family, his country and others. He was kind and considerate to everyone. His positive attitude and warm smile uplifted all who were blessed with his presence.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Catherine Hughes Landstreet.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Jennings Hughes; sons, Nathaniel Barker Hughes III (Donna), and Thomas L. Hughes (Laura); grandchildren, Shelly Hughes Main (Chris), Garrett Hughes, Natalie Hughes Gooday (Paul), and Allison Hughes; five great-grandchildren, sister, Mary Hughes Walker of Birmingham, AL, one nephew and three nieces, and several great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to 1st Presbyterian Church Chattanooga.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 1st Presbyterian Church Chattanooga at 12:00PM Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with a family visitation from 10:30AM – 12:00PM. There will be a private burial at Forest Hills Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 45406 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343, (423) 531-3975.