Billy Ray “Bill” Hudson went to be with the Lord on November 28, 2015, one day before his 81st birthday. The youngest child of Addie and Elias Hudson, he was born in Trinity, Texas on November 29, 1934. Bill proudly served in the United States Army National Guard for seven years, including two years of active duty. He was honorably discharged in 1960 and that same year married the love of his life, Barbara Safford, to whom he was devoted for 55 years. Bro. Roy E. Ladd officiated the wedding ceremony at Baptist Temple Church in Houston.
Bill never met a stranger and could often be heard whistling a cheerful tune. He built a successful sales career with Kroger where he worked until his retirement in 1976. Eager to continue working, he joined
food wholesale company Fleming, where he was employed for 10 years.
Faith and family came first for Bill. He was a devoted member of Baptist Temple where he was baptized in 1976, served as a deacon and sang in the choir with Barbara. After retirement, he became a member and a deacon of Dorcas Wills Memorial Baptist Church in Trinity. Bill did not fear death because he knew he would have eternal life with Jesus Christ. One of his favorite scriptures, John 10:27-29, says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”
Bill was loved by all who knew him for his humor, heart and gentle ways. He could always tell a good joke. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother and uncle. Bill cherished time with his family, especially outside in God’s creation where he loved to camp, fish, hunt and play golf. He was also an avid reader.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife Barbara Safford Hudson, daughter Anna Hudson and son Michael Hudson, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Addie and Elias Hudson, sister Lura Hudson McCraw, and brothers Joe Bailey Hudson, Clifton Hudson, O.B. Hudson and Lyndon Winston Hudson.
A visitation service will be held Tuesday, December 1, 2015, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pat H. Foley & Company, 1200 W. 34th St. in Houston. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, also at Pat H. Foley & Company. Interment will be at Carmona Cemetery in Corrigan, Texas.
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