Bobby Hudson

Bobby Earl Hudson, age 90, slipped the bounds of earth on October 26, 2023. Bobby was born in Turkey, NC (Sampson County) on December 1, 1932 and was the eldest son of Janie Bell (Wynn) Hudson and Hubert Earl Hudson, both deceased.

Bobby Earl Hudson acquired a work ethic that sustained him all his life. Bobby left the farm after graduating from Turkey High School in 1950 to join the US Air Force (1953-57). He attended East Carolina University and Georgia State University, began a career at Remington Rand, and ended up as sales manager of LoxCreen Company of Columbia, SC for several years before striking out on his own as a sales representative, real estate investor, and entrepreneur. Bobby was a successful businessman, operating Hudson Sales for 37 years (with business partner & adopted “son”, John Hall). He partnered with sons, Darrell and Chuck, in car sales and truck accessories. He was a faithful member of Riverland Hills Baptist Church. Throughout his life he received numerous awards and recognitions for outstanding leadership and sales ability, and was a respected motivational speaker and sales technician.

Bob became the Patriarch of the Hudson clan. He settled in Lexington County, first living on Kirkwood Drive in Springdale. The invasion of Hudson’s continued with brother, Gene Hudson, living with Bobby until he got on his successful feet with Hudson’s Office Equipment, then brother, John, left the farm and started a career with LoxCreen, then baby brother Jim, who created an automobile dynasty. If Bob had not made such a commitment to family, the Hudson name would not be so prominent in South Carolina.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Laura Slade Hudson; sister-in-law, Carolyn Spires Hudson, wife of brother, Hubert Eugene Hudson (deceased); brother, John Troy Hudson (Ann West Hudson); and brother, James Edward (Jim)Hudson (Sybil Browder Hudson, deceased). His surviving children are sons, Darrell Craig Hudson (Gay Jewell Hudson), Charles Allan Hudson (Cindy Momand Hudson), and daughter, Melinda Hudson Dailey. His eldest son, Robin preceded him in death. Bobby adored his 12 grands & 8 great grands: granddaughter, Crystal Clark (Brent), mother of great granddaughter, Mia, and great grandson, Caden; grandsons, Jeremy and Chase; granddaughter, Makenzie Slade Hudson; granddaughter, Taylor Black(Jonathan), mother of great granddaughter, Savannah; great granddaughter, Julie Black and great grandson, Dawson, Rachel York (CT York); great granddaughters, Jenna, Ally and Avery York; grandson, Jackson Slade Dailey and granddaughter, Janie Isabella Dailey; grandson, Clint Hudson (Maggie); grandson, Clay Hudson; grandson, Cody Hudson; and granddaughter Jessica Hudson.

Bobby loved the Lord, his family and South Carolina. He was known for his generosity, kindness, and humor. He faithfully supported several Christian ministries and community organizations and never met a stranger. He served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, choir director, and deacon. He enjoyed his role as “official greeter “at Hudson’s Smokehouse, owned and operated by his two grandsons, Clint, and Clay. His love of sweets was legendary.

Bob loved music, especially gospel, and rarely missed a keyboard performance by his gifted nieces, Sharon Rattray (Marc) and Allison Hilbish (John). He was gifted with a beautiful tenor voice himself and constantly sang at church and love songs to his wife. He loved to dance and never missed an opportunity to wear out several partners.

Bob’s operating scripture was Luke 6:38: “Give, and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Bob leaves a huge gap in the hearts of many. We’ll see you soon Papa Hudson.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, November 3, 2023, 10:00 AM at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 6952 St. Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29212, with visitation to follow at Fellowship Hall.

Memorials may be made to SC Victim Assistance Network at PO Box 212863, Zip Code 29221.

Special thanks to Hospice service providers, Tiffany Callery and April Montgomery; First Light Home Care, Myrtle Lindsey; Veterans Care, Kristy Pharis; and Griswold Home Care, Juliana Morales.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Hudson family.