Wilson Richard Hough Jr. passed away April 12, 2026, at his home from a battle with cancer. Richard was born in Cabarrus County on June 27, 1948, to the late Opal Mae Hough and the late Wilson Richard Hough, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his daughters, April Lynn Hough and Shari Hough Beaver.

Richard retired from Duke Power, where he worked for 36 years. He always called himself a coal handler. He loved working outdoors and gardening.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 60 years, Kay F. Hough; his daughter, Julie Hough Sexton; grandkids, Marty Sexton (Kayla), Jamie Sexton (Codi), Steven Sexton (Miranda), Alex Sexton, Barbie Sexton, Savannah Goodnight, and Jessie Beaver; and eight grandchildren, Anna, Alyssa, Maddie, Sofia, Thomas, Denver, Rico, and Uriel.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Whitley's Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Whitley's Funeral Home in Kannapolis, officiated by Robert Williams. Burial will immediately follow at Carolina Memorial Park Cemetery, 601 Mt. Olivet Rd., Kannapolis.