William "Billy" Howard Hughes, 76, died July 15, 2022, in Waconia, Minnesota after a lengthy illness. He was born Sept. 4, 1945, in Oakland, California to Robert and Genevieve Hughes. He attended Sawyer Elementary School and graduated from Carlton High School. After college, Bill embarked on a career as a musician, first in the rock band The Vacant Lot, performing at many venues throughout the country, and later as a talent agent. His love of music never left him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Robert; brothers James and Gary; infant niece Allison Crotteau, and brother-in-law Robert Clark. He is survived by his loving daughter, Melissa (Chad) Carlson; grandsons Nicholas and Zachary Carlson; sisters Gloria Clark, Patty (Kraig) Smith and Cindy (Randy) Crotteau; brothers Michael (Linda) and Thomas; sister-in-law Rita Hughes; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends, including his best friend of 60 years, Mike MacMillan.

Celebration of Life: 4-7 p.m. Thursday, July 28 at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Ave. S. in Edina, Minnesota.

Pine Knot News July 22, 2022