Emery Earl Hudson Jr.

Emery Earl Hudson Jr. (Sonny) 80, passed to rest in the arms of our lord on July 20, 2018. Preceded in death with his former wife, Barbara Ann and first son Russell Wayne “Rusty” Hudson. Sonny is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Lily Onix Hudson and children Patricia Ann Clark, Brenda Kay Rahoi (Kevin), Ronald Walter (Tanya), Michelle Clments-Flynt (Carl), Emery Earl Hudson III “Sonny Boy” (Karen) and Sonja Belle (Joe). Sonny is also survived by over 18 grandchildren and over 15 great grandchildren, and not to forget the many who considered him to be “like a father, grandfather, uncle”. A devoted son, husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. Sonny was a loving, kind, generous, big hearted man. He will forever be in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

Sonny was born in Mobile, AL. on May 11, 1938. He joined the Army National Guard Reserve at the age of 18 and served honorably for eight years. In March of 1959 he moved to Arizona and made it his new home. While raising his four children and working at Safeway grocery market, El Rancho Markets, he met and married Lily and joined his children with her child and became an instant family of five.

In September of 1967 he began his career with Keebler Cookie Company, where he quickly moved up the ranks to becoming the District Sales Manager. He took pride in his profession and retired in 1996 after 29 years of service.

In September of 1970, Lily and Sonny welcomed Sonny Boy and in March of 1981 they had their final child, Sonja.

Sonny was an avid “sports guy”. He loved to golf, fish, bowl, play baseball/softball and loved watching football. He enjoyed even more to coach in all these sports. He coached all his kids in these sports, and enjoyed watching them progress. He was proud of the fact that his kids then taught and coached their kids, his grandchildren how to play sports, of course with his “two sense” given. He was a die hard “Roll Tide” fan. Sonny was the president of the “Over the Hill” golf club, and like his professional life, he took great pride in “running the club” and looked forward to the Annual Barbeque with his buddies.

Sonny was the oldest son of ten children from Emery Earl Sr and Virginia Elizabeth Hudson (deceased). Preceded in death, Patricia Ann Hudson, Bernice “Tennie” Elizabeth Scott, and Betty Marie Carter (Ron). Survived by Lorenzo George (Sue), Carolyn Lee Rockwell (Chuck), Sandra “Sandy” Faye Young, Charlotte Diane King, Jack Anson (Susan), and Cecil Edward (Sandra). He loved his siblings with all his heart and will be missed by all.

Per his request, in lieu of flowers or donations please contribute to your favorite church or charity in Sonny’s name.

Services will be held at East Lawn Palms Mortuary on Saturday July 28, 2018 at 1:15 PM to 3:00 pm. Celebration of life will be held after services at Sonja’s home.