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1924
2015
Alva Ray Hudson
Harlingen -
On May 2, 1920, the little town of Peggs, OK, home to Henry Hudson and Elizabeth Willard, was destroyed by a devastating tornado. Honoring a deathbed wish by his mother, Hudson's family boarded a train to the Rio Grande Valley, where tornadoes were extremely rare.
On Nov. 23, 1924, Alva Ray Hudson was born in Raymondville, TX, the youngest son of six children. He attended school in San Perlita and at age 15 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), traveling to New Mexico to help restore Native American ruins in Bandelier National Park. In 1942 at 17 he joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the Battleship New Jersey. The wartime Pacific campaigns included battles in New Guinea, Saipan, Okinowa and Formosa. He was awarded 11 Bronze stars and 5 campaign ribbons.
On July 10, 1948, he married Evelyn Bolton in Kingsville, TX, and they moved to a small farm in San Perlita. In 1963, he began a career in insurance. A highlight of his achievements was the approval in 1975 of crop insurance for Hidalgo, Starr, Cameron and Willacy counties with the help of Lloyd M. Bentsen, Chairman of the Board for First National Bank of McAllen. In 1977, he was able to combine his love of farming with his insurance expertise by establishing Farmer's Crop Insurance in Edinburg. In 1990, he retired to Valley Mills, TX.
For the last 10 years he has made his home in Camelot Village in Harlingen. Hudson was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, contributing his time and energy to spreading the word of God.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Evelyn; three daughters, Brenda Hudson of Carrollton, TX, Debbie Henry of Harlingen, TX, and Raylene Hudson of Spring Branch, TX. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, as well as 8 beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation hours will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home at 710 Ed Carey Drive in Harlingen, TX on Thursday, November 5, 2015.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM at the 8th and Harrison Church of Christ on Friday, November 6, 2015. Burial will be held at a later date.
Charitable contributions can be made to "In Search Of The Lord's Way", PO Box 371, Edmond, OK, 13083-9901.
You are invited to sign the guestbook or share a memory at:
www.buckashcraft.com.
Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
6 Entries
Granddad Hudson was a man of inspiration. I am so glad I got to meet him and know him. He will be sorely missed by everyone. God bless him and his whole family.
Justin Cantrell
November 6, 2015
I never knew him but his story/ history touched my heart. You all sure had a great man in your life. Maybe someone can write his story..My condolences to the people that were touched positive with his adventure. From Murrieta, Ca
L. Delgado
November 6, 2015
Prayers to the family sorry for your loss. The Wards
Sheila Mabee-Ward
November 5, 2015
Aunt Evelyn, I will miss my dear Uncle Alva. I loved listening to his reminiscing about the terrible Oklahoma tornado that took the lives of so many including his grandmother and caused the Hudson family to move to the Valley, the early days when Alva and my mother were young, and the WWII stories.
He loved the Lord and his family.
I pray God will comfort and strengthen you.
Linda Wright
November 4, 2015
You and your family are in our hearts. Our condolences on the passing of your husband/father. We are honored and blessed to have know Mr. Hudson. We have many fond memories of the days at Farmers Crop Insurance.
Love and prayers,
Gloria Reyes and Doreen and Fernando Garza
Doreen Garza
November 4, 2015
Al was a wonderful, kind hearted, loving Christian man. Always loved sharing agriculture stories with him. His love for the Lord was always evident. I know Al will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Much love and sympathy to you Evelyn.
J.L. & Barb Taylor
November 4, 2015
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