Kenneth HUDSON Obituary

Family-Placed Death Notice

HUDSON, Kenneth KENNETH SAMUEL HUDSON This Tree Stump in the Valley of Redwoods (the title of his autobiography) was a history maker, a giant who walked among kings, yet kept the common touch. A lifelong advocate for youth, his life was consumed with doing something for others. Ken was born, September 24, 1939, in Pittsburg, PA, to John Wesley and Jane Bessie Hudson and educated in the Pittsburg public schools. He matriculated at Central State University on a baseball scholarship with a work study job refereeing basketball scrimmages. After graduation, Ken landed a job at Gulf Oil in Boston, MA. With the help of Sam Jones, Bill Russell and Red Auerbach, Ken began his career as an NBA referee. He founded the Boston Shoot-Out (1972), a basketball programs that continues to attract top USA high school players. In 1988, moving to Atlanta with Coca-Cola USA, he continued his interest in community affairs and service. As an Atlanta resident he served as a sports and business consultant to Mayor Maynard Jackson and coordinated sports-related events for the City, facilitated weekly "Success Seminars" at area high schools and was instrumental in the selection of the USA Basketball Training Site for the 1996 Olympics. He served on the boards of several organizations including the Atlanta Southwest YMCA, Atlanta Technical College Foundation, and the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Community Foundation. He was on the advisory board of Morehouse School of Medicine. He was a member of National Association of Guardsmen, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and 100 Black Men of Atlanta. Ken left behind devoted life partner Patricia Varnell. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ken Hudson Servant Leadership Scholarship c/o Atlanta Technical College, or Ken Hudson Scholarship Fund c/o Cascade United Methodist Church.

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Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on May 16, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth HUDSON

12 Entries

Charlie Titus

June 4, 2012

May my friend and Mentor rest in the peace he so much deserves.Ken you had such a huge impact on so many and left your imprint all over the cities of Boston and Atlanta. Your committment to our young people is legendary and will be modeled by me and many others because you showed us the way. Be with God and enjoy your eternal rest at the side of our Lord.

May 21, 2012

Thanks my friend for all the things you did for me in the over 40 years we knew one another. From allowing me to be the PA announcer on hot summer nights during the Boston Shootout in the early 70's to hiring a young upstart broadcaster as news director of WILD radio in Boston. Who knew some four decades later that I would be a President within that very company. Thanks for all the words of wisdom you provided our Black College All-Americans during the many years you attended and spoke at the event....guys like Michael Strahan, Jerry Rice and Shannon Sharpe...thanks my friend for a job well done..hold a space for me and I'll see when I get there.

Jerry Lopes, Pittsburgh PA

Diane Powell-Larche'

May 19, 2012

Thinking about the wonderful man named Ken Hudson. Pat it was always so nice to see you guys at the Atlanta Hawks games and around town. Jason was very fond of Ken and the last time he was in Atlanta to play the Hawks he asked me about him. He had heard that Ken was ill. So happy to have known ken and to have shared with him University of Pittsburgh and city of Pittsburgh stories. Rest in peace my friend.

Jack DOUGLASS

May 17, 2012

Peace and love to the family of my life long friend Kenny Hudson. You made our old neighborhood of Oberlin Street in Pittsburgh, PA proud. Rest in peace.

Elaine Carlisle

May 17, 2012

Peace and Blessings to you always. Your kindness will live in our hearts forever. May you rest in peace.

Lydia Wynn

May 16, 2012

May the peace and love of God remain with your family always. Peace be still. R.I.P.

Terreta Rodgers

May 16, 2012

Ken gave so much to the world. His commitment to young people is a legacy that will live forever. I watched him mentor, encourage and guide the young men in the Atlanta Technical College Institute for Males for many years and his light will continue to shine as these young men make their mark on the world.

Arlane & Ray Robinson

May 16, 2012

Ken's light will forever shine. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.

May 16, 2012

With deepest sympathy to the Hudson family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.

Doris Hines

May 16, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the Hudson family. Ken was a giant among all men and I shall always remember his spirit of commitment to improving the lives of his fellow man.

Frank Payne

May 16, 2012

My condolences and prayers go out to the Ken Hudson family. May he rest in peace..

B O

May 16, 2012

My condolences to the Hudson family. May you all find comfort in Gods word.(2Tim.3:16,17).

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