Robert Hudgins

Robert W. Hudgins NORFOLK - Robert William "Bob" Hudgins, 85, passed away peacefully Aug. 26, 2008. He was born in Norfolk, the son of the late Eugene and Ruth Hudgins. An outstanding athlete, Bob graduated from Maury High School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was on the varsity basketball team for both schools. During World War II, Bob proudly served as a member of the Army Air Corps Special Forces, boosting morale for the troops by playing basketball on courts throughout Europe. His career began as a sales representative for Karastan Carpet, which led to the vice president of sales for Laurelcrest, a division of Karastan, in New York City. In 1969, he returned home to Virginia to launch his own family run business. Hudgins Rugs & Carpets, a well-known local firm, helped decorate homes and businesses in the Tidewater area for the next 30 years. Bob never really retired! He was an outgoing man with a kind word, an easy banter, a teasing tone and a ready smile for everyone he met. And he always had a loving pat for his dog and best friend, Jake. He will be missed. Bob is survived by his wife of 42 years, Barbara; his sister, Jacqueline Laake of Maryland; his daughters, Stacey Kimberley Rogers of Portsmouth, N.H., and Lauren Fetherston of Phoenix, Ariz.; his granddaughter, Lindsay and her husband Sam Steuter; along with his great-grandchildren, Nathan and Miah of Phoenix; and his grandson, Rit Fetherston of Phoenix. Barbara Hudgins gratefully thanks the staff at the Pinewood Inn for their compassionate care and support, along with the Hospice staff from HealthCare Odyssey. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Instead of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob's name to the Alzheimer's Association, No. 20 Koger Center, Suite 233, Norfolk, VA 23502, the Norfolk SPCA, 916 Ballentine Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23504, or to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 520 Graydon Ave., Norfolk, VA 23507. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cox Funeral Home. Friends may send condolences to the Hudgins Family at www.dmvobits.com/cox.