In Loving Memory of Randall Steven “Randy” Hughes, M.D.

September 4, 1959 – June 26, 2026

Randall Steven “Randy” Hughes, M.D., 66, passed away suddenly on June 26, 2026. Above every title he earned in his life, the one that mattered most to Randy was “Dad” — or, as Harry and Grace affectionately called him, “Boss.” His children, Harry, 17, and Grace, 16, were the center of his world, and he loved them fiercely, proudly, and without reservation. Randy showed up for Harry and Grace — at their games and their milestones, in quiet weeknight conversations and lazy weekend mornings alike — and he took enormous joy in watching them grow into the young adults they are becoming. Being their father was, without question, the role he cherished most.

One of Harry and Grace’s favorite memories is of Randy putting them to bed each night as children, praying with them and for them until they peacefully fell asleep. They also cherished the daily texts he sent just to let them know he was there for them — that he would never leave them, how much he loved them, and how proud he was of both of them. He loved taking them on frequent getaways to Rough Creek Lodge, where they’d spend their days on outdoor adventures — driving ATVs, shooting at the range, hunting, and sharing a good meal together. He was, quite simply, an incredible father.

That devotion to family ran through everything Randy did. He shared a close bond with his mother, Nina Hughes, and his sister, Lynne Springer, both steady presences throughout his life. He cherished his time with his father, Abbie, before his father’s passing — Abbie was Randy’s role model for the kind of man and father he strove to be. He also loved his niece, Dr. Lauren Springer Battley, her husband, Dr. Josh Battley, and their daughter, Reagan Ruth Battley. Randy often spoke of his mentor, the late Dr. Gene Frenkel, with real gratitude, crediting him with shaping both the man and doctor he became, and he treasured his long friendship with Dr. David Gerber.

As a medical oncologist, Professor of Internal Medicine, and Chief of the Medical Hematology/Oncology Inpatient Service at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Randy dedicated decades of his career to caring for patients facing cancers of the head, neck, and lungs, earning the respect of his colleagues and the gratitude of countless patients. He was known among colleagues for his careful judgment and steady bedside manner — but to those who knew him best, medicine was simply the work he did well; his family was the life he loved.

Randy was a proud B.O.I. — Born on the Island — in Galveston, Texas, the first of two children born to Roy Abercrombie “Abbie” Hughes and Nina Beth (McCleese) Hughes. Raised alongside his sister, Susan “Lynne,” in a close, hardworking Galveston family, Randy went on to attend Texas A&M University and later earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston — carrying forward the same quiet devotion to hard work and to others that had defined his father before him. Though his career took him to Dallas, Galveston remained his beloved hometown throughout his life.

Randy is survived by his children, Harry and Grace Hughes; his mother, Nina Hughes; his former wife, Heather; his sister, Lynne Springer; his niece, Dr. Lauren Springer Battley, and her husband, Dr. Josh Battley; his great-niece, Reagan Ruth Battley; and many other family members and friends who loved him. He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Abercrombie Hughes.

Randy was laid to rest in a private burial in Galveston, the hometown he loved next to his father and uncles. His memorial will be held in Dallas on July 23rd at 4:00PM at his church, Saint Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church, 8011 Douglas Avenue, Dallas, TX 75225

Above all, Randy will be remembered as a devoted, loving father — a man whose greatest joy in this world was simply being Dad, or “Boss,” to Harry and Grace.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

3 John 1:4