Willie Watkins Hudson

HUDSON, Willie Watkins, 96, of Richmond, died February 24, 2012. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Thelma Snellings Hudson. Survivors include his wife, Mable Elizabeth Hudson; two children, Carolyn Watkins Hudson Marrs and William Dabney Hudson (Rosa); one sister, Florence Hudson Sparkman; five grandchildren, Deborah Lynn Brown (Donald), William Randall "Trip" Marrs (Pamela), Diane Marrs Stewart (Jonathan), Susan Elizabeth Hudson Grady (Chris) and Dabney Scott Hudson; six great-grandchildren, Donald H. Brown Jr., Jessica Lynn Brown, Kelsey Marie Marrs, Jonathan Blake Stewart, William Andrew Stewart and Joshua Randall Stewart; and other extended family members.

Mr. Hudson was born in South Hill, Va., and had a 45-year career with VEPCO that began as one of the first street car drivers in downtown Richmond, shift supervisor at the Richmond Power Plant and ended his career as director of the Fossil Fuel Training School. He was a 63-year member of Westover Hills United Methodist Church and a 60-year member of Woodland Heights Masonic Lodge No. 345. His hobby was gardening and he especially enjoyed growing boxwoods, azaleas and roses.

His remains rest at the Huguenot Chapel of Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Road, where the family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday and where a Masonic Service will begin at 5 p.m. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday at Westover Hills United Methodist Church, 1705 Westover Hills Boulevard, Richmond. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Westover Hills United Methodist Church. Online condolences to WoodyFuneralHomeHuguenot.com.