Anthony L. Hudson

The family moved to Los Angeles, California from Houston, Texas in October 1943. His early education was in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from Accession Catholic School in Los Angeles, California; attended St. Albert the Great Catholic School in Compton, California; graduated from Enterprise Jr. High School, Compton, California, and Compton High School in Compton, California in 1969. A strong believer in education, he later received his Associates of Arts degree in General Studies from Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, Ca; Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman University, Orange Ca; Master of Arts Degree in Business Management from Webster University, St. Louis Missouri; Master of Public Administration degree from California State University, Northridge. Shortly after retiring from the Marine Corps he also attended Western State University Law School in San Diego, California.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps at the height of the Vietnam War. He served in the Marine Corps for 24 years rising from private to Gunnery Sergeant; Chief Warrant Officer-4 to Captain. After the Gulf war in 1991, Captain Hudson ended his Marine Corps career as an Engineer Officer and Commanding Officer of over 200 Marines. After retiring from the Marine Corps, he planned to work with troubled youth incarcerated in California Prisons, but things changed and he was hired by Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, where he worked in Environmental compliance, Emergency Management and Anti-Terrorism. He was on staff there for 15 years and received numerous awards. His most valued award was, the award he received for his 45 years of civilian and active duty Marine Corps service.

A member and supporter of numerous organizations like the NAACP; Disabled Veterans Association; Montford Point Marine Association; Marine Corps Engineer Association; and the Marine Corps Drill Instructor Association, to name a few. A believer in God, Anthony's Pastor was his family Pastor, Reverend George Brown, Jr. He truly enjoyed his family, friends and associates. A few of his passions were books, classic muscle cars, classic movies, NASCAR racing, Jazz and 60's and 70's soul music. For many years the Caldwell house was a gathering for many family events.

Anthony Married his High School sweetheart, Linda Marie Ratcliffe, of Biloxi Mississippi, on August 20, 1969. Many said that it wouldn't last, but they fooled them all. They purchased their first home in Riverside, California in 1983, and their second home in Oceanside, California and their third home in Oceanside, California in 1995.

From this union they were blessed with two sons: Anthony Lee Hudson, Jr. and John Michael Hudson.

The Skipper was called home on Thursday August 22nd with his family by his side at 7:40 am, for that great reward that awaits us all.

He is preceded in death by his dear mother, Elmira Louise Caldwell, his sister, Elaine Yolanda Hudson-Reed, Grandmother, Francis Caldwell, Grandfather, Deacon Judge Caldwell, Jr., uncle, Ernest Lee Caldwell, and Celestine Lena Caldwell-Milton.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his Wife of 50 years, Linda Marie Hudson, two sons, Anthony Lee Hudson Jr. and John Michael Hudson, one brother Nathaniel Joel Hudson, Sr.(wife, Veronica Hudson) of Moreno Valley, Ca, one aunt Barbara Ann Caldwell, two God children, special nephews, nieces, cousins, brothers/sisters-in-laws, a host of relatives and dear friends.