Albert J. (AJ) Hughes, Jr., age 87, of Jonesboro, passed away, March 13, 2014 with his wife and oldest son by his side in Centre, Alabama.  AJ was born May 6, 1926, in Boaz, Alabama to Albert and Myrtice Hughes.  His father was a farmer/carpenter in Boaz, AL.  AJ, a WWII veteran moved to Jonesboro, GA in 1958.  He retired from Civil Service and was retired from Clayton Co. Board of Education, Maintenance Dept.  He was an active member of the Zion Hill Baptist Church and was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.  He is survived by his wife; Nell Watson Hughes; sons; Al Hughes, Steve (Kathy) Hughes and David (Amanda) Hughes, grandchildren; Megan DiGiovanni, Alison Beecher, Kristen Hughes, Molly Hughes, Callie Hughes, Nick Hughes and Natalie Hughes,  great grandchildren; Josh DiGiovanni and Mia DiGiovanni.  Funeral services will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, March 15, 2014 in the Chapel of Ford-Stewart Funeral Home. Rev. Martin Jones will officiate.  Interment will be at Camp Memorial Park in Fayetteville.  The family will receive friends from 12-2 PM the day of the service at the funeral home.