Charles Michael Hudson, 77, passed away March 27, 2013. He was born in Washington, D.C. to the late Charles Edward and Catherine Celeste Morrison Hudson.
Mike received his Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1958. He went on to obtain a Masters in Engineering Mechanics in 1965 (also at Virginia Tech) and a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering in 1972 from North Carolina State. He was employed by NASA for 39 years, taught for one year at Christopher Newport, and then returned to engineering work at Hernandez Engineering for two years and Sierra Lobo for nine years.
He won several awards over the course of his life. They include the NASA medal for Exceptional Engineering Achievement, ASTM Fatigue and Fracture Metal Award, and United Way Volunteer of the Year. Mike's leadership activities included serving as president of Magruder Elementary PTA, Bruton High PTA, NASA Supervisors Club, and the Williamsburg Area Chapter Virginia Tech Alumni Association; and chairman of the ASTM Committee E-24 on Fracture Testing.
In addition, Mike volunteered as a coach in softball and basketball, was an 18-gallon blood donor, church lector, Sunday School teacher, and a United Way volunteer. More than these accomplishments, he was a great person.
Mike is survived by his wonderful wife of almost 50 years, Jeanie Creasy Hudson of Williamsburg; loving children Michael E. Hudson of Blacksburg; Celeste Hudson Duffy and husband, Chuck Duffy of Mentor, Oh.; Chris Hudson and wife, Kim Hudson of Lancaster, Pa.; and Sean Hudson and wife, Ratih Hudson of Midlothian.
Also, by five fantastic grandchildren: Emma, Corinne, Connor, Braiden, and Chase. He is also survived by his sister, Joan Solari and her husband, Frank Solari; his sister-in-law, Anita Creasy, and many other extended family members whom he loved very much.
The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Monday, April 1 at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg. A prayer service follows at 7 p.m. A funeral mass followed by a reception will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2 at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd, Williamsburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mike's memory may be made to Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Pkwy, Williamsburg, 23188, St. Jude's, or the United Way.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.nelsencares.com and www.vagazette.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dr. Hudson was my mentor and my friend. He was instrumental in every job that I received. I first worked for him as an intern during the summer after my freshmen year at Hampton University (1980). I worked for him every summer after that until I received Dual Degrees from Hampton University and Old Dominion University in Civil Engineering. He helped me get my first job at TAI and wrote a letter of recommendation for me to later work for Newport News Shipbuilding. I still apply the professional advice that he gave me. Rest in peace, Dr. Hudson, you were a good man.
Sharon Joyner Callahan
April 12, 2013
To Mike'e family, My sincerest and deepest sympathy for your loss. May you find strength and peace in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends. My final salute and tribute to Charles Michael Hudson, my very favorite NASA colleague and my friend, on a life well-lived. You did well my friend, you did very well! May God forgive me for not speaking such truths when it really would have meant something. Godspeed Mike...
April 9, 2013
Chris, Sean, Michael, Celeste and your Mother: I am grateful for the memories you and Mr. Hudson have blessed me with. from keith Cieplicki shooting j's in the driveway to the many sleepovers and english muffin pizza birthday partys to boating and private weeks on "the island" your family truly helped form me. Thank you, Mike for fathering this.
joseph musgrave
April 3, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Melissa Haymond (Jacob)
April 1, 2013
My wife and I will miss his warm smile and caring attitude during his days at NASA.
Brian Luoto
April 1, 2013
We all are very sorry to hear of the passing of a dear friend, Mike. His many accomplishments were wonderful, but his loving place as a father and husband were most shining. As a neighbor his presence will be missed, and we'll always have him as a bright example of life and love in practice.
Chuck & Carol Ann Jacob
April 1, 2013
It was truly an honor to have known and worked with Dr. Hudson. The world has lost a great mind and greater man. Rest peacefully sir.
Jim Rhea
April 1, 2013
In all our travels we never had better neighbors and friends than Jeanie and Mike. Our love and thoughts to Mike's whole family. We are so lucky to have known all of you! love, Gail and Family
March 31, 2013
I have know mike since 1989 and grew up with his son Sean! Mike was my softball coach for many years and taught me way more than just the game! He always had a smile,kind words,and a even bigger heart! I will miss you my dear friend!
Ryan Moore
March 30, 2013
Chris and family: So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Butch & Lanny Freeland (Ginger Everton's parents)
Butch & Lanny Freeland
March 29, 2013
Dr. Hudson was always pleasant to work with and just pleasant to be around. He was very knowledgable about any subject you could bring up. Man, who will wear the suspenders now? He went way too quick. He will be missed by his fellow workers at NASA LANGLEY and all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayer are with his wife and family at this tough time but know that he is in a much better place.
The NASA Surveyors
Kit, Vanessa, and Dave
March 29, 2013
Michael, Celeste, Chris, and Sean, I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I don't think I ever saw him without his gorgeous smile, one in which you couldn't help but smile back! Thinking of you and your sweet mom.. Love, Mrs.(Derrig)Brown
March 29, 2013
Mike Hudson was the first "boss" I had in my career. I count my blessings for having him as supervisor; he was a truly exceptional person to work with and very unique... crew cuts, suspenders, colorful attires, and all. I owe so much of who I am professionally to Mike. I enjoyed working with him during the last few years after he retired from NASA. Mike... I will miss you a lot. Love, Carlos.
Carlos Perez-Ramos
March 29, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Hudson, he was one of my regular members at LFCU on the NASA base, and he was such a pleasant person. My prayers are with the family.
Courtney Wiggins
March 29, 2013
Mike Hudson's children were friends with my children when they were growing up. He coached many of their teams over the years. Although, we lost touch over the recent years, I will always remember him and his big smile! It was a privilege to have known him and he will be missed.
Mike Spearman
March 29, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. With deepest sympathy.
Sharon Crawford
March 29, 2013
Mike was a true gentleman.
Howard Puckett
March 29, 2013
I worked with Mr. Hudson for many years at NASA Langley Research Center. He was such a pleasant individual with a welcoming smile. I am glad to have known him.
Pamala Howard
March 29, 2013
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