Max Earl "Tractor Puller" Hughes

Mr. Max Earl Hughes AKA “Tractor Puller”, 79 of Murray, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House after a lengthy battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Mr. Hughes was born on May 4, 1945 in Murray, KY to the late Bun Harlan Hughes and Mary Fran Pendergrass Hughes. He was a member of Coldwater Church of Christ.

Growing up as a young man, Max worked on the family farm alongside his dad and brother. Together, they opened and ran Hughes Farm Implement and Service. That is where Max found his love for tractor pulling which is how he earned his handle “Tractor Puller”. Max was in his true element when he was pulling tractors. Not only did he enjoy the thrill of the pull, his passion was behind the scenes, building some of the fastest Moline and Farmall tractors that had been seen at that time. He and his brother, Joe Pat, formed one of the greatest teams together. They are still talked about today in many circles.

In 1982, Max began hauling cars and eventually he transitioned to hauling freight. Retiring in 2017 from UPS, he enjoyed his retirement tinkering in the shop and spending time with family and friends.

Max was a loyal friend, husband and father.  He was charismatic, mischievous, loving and knew a little something about everything all wrapped up in his Levi's and Wrangler's.  He will be dearly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Eric Hughes and a sister, Suzette Hughes.

Those left to cherish many wonderful memories include his loving wife of 18 years, Mrs. Mitzi Garner-Hughes of Murray; three daughters, Erica Bazzell (Joey) of Murray, Devry Parrish (Max) of Murray and Deedra Irby (Matt) of Murray; a son, Ian Hughes (KayDee) of Murray; a brother, Joe Pat Hughes of Murray and five grandchildren who loved him so, Zach Bazzell, Ashlynne Bazzell, Klyne and Kipton Boggess and Clinton Irby.

A memorial service honoring Mr. Max Earl Hughes is set for 3 pm on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the Heritage Chapel of Imes Funeral Home, 1804 Highway 121 Bypass North, Murray. Kerry Lambert will officiate and a private family burial will take place at Coldwater Church of Christ Cemetery.

His family welcomes visitors from 12 pm until 3 pm on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the Heritage Chapel.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 1959 State Route 94 WMurray, KY 42071.

Please join family and friends in honoring the life of Mr. Max Hughes by visiting www.imesfh.com to post your tributes and memories.