David Lee Hudgens

David Lee “Dave” Hudgens, 69 passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Dave was born on December 10, 1954 in Jacksonville, Fl. to James Henry Hudgens and Bernice Cleo (Taylor) Hudgens.

After graduating from Englewood High School Dave received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from University of North Florida.

Dave began his career in Ocean Transportation with Crowley Maritime. After many years of working with Crowley, he then joined Trailer Bridge an ocean/domestic transportation company. Dave later was blessed to join The Suddath Companies, founded in 1919, a family owned moving, storage, logistics and global relocation company. Dave was instrumental in his role as Director of Credit and Collections across all business units. He was later promoted to VP of Credit and Collections. Dave had the opportunity to work with colleagues across the country and around the world throughout his tenure at Suddath.

Dave was a man of great character and even greater faith. His devotion and service to his Lord, his faith and his church was as strong as his devotion to his wife and family. Dave served in many roles at Deermeadows Baptist Church, in addition to serving on various committees . He was a deacon more than once and was named Deacon Emeritus, the highest honor for a deacon. As a deacon Dave participated in many “Helping Hands” projects. He served in the music ministry by singing in the choir, being choir president multiple times, singing as a member of the praise team and in various ensembles. He had a great first tenor voice and loved to worship through music.

Dave loved life and lived it fully. He enjoyed dancing, socializing and cooking for family and friends. Dave was an avid outdoorsman. He loved the peacefulness of nature. Dave enjoyed fishing and hunting with the best of friends.

Dave is survived by his wife of 27 years Pamela McDaniel Hudgens of Jacksonville, Fl., his daughters, Kristi Hudgens of Jacksonville, Fl., and Angie Hudgens of Asheville, NC., his brothers, Charles (Linda) Hudgens of Jacksonville, Fl., Keith (Chris) Hudgens of Jacksonville, Fl., sister-in-law, Shirley Hudgens of Jacksonville, Fl., as well as many nieces and nephews. Sadly, his brother, Monroe passed away just several days after Dave. He was also proceeded in death by his parents James Henry Hudgens and Bernice Cleo Taylor Hudgens of Jacksonville, Fl.

Dave will be remembered most for his loving kindness and compassion for his fellowman.

A celebration of life will be held at Deermeadows Baptist Church, 9780 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32256 on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dave’s name may be made to Deermeadows Baptist Church “Helping Hands” Ministry or Community Hospice Hadlow Center.