Michael J. Hudgins

Michael Key West, FL - Hudgins J. Hudgins Michael "Mike" J Hudgins of Key West, FL and Kailua, HI, age 77, a true adventurer, and beloved member of family and community, left this world on August 19, 2023. He passed away In Miami, Florida at Mt. Sinai hospital after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. He enjoyed a full and well-lived life. His easy-going manner, hard work ethic, big mustached grin, and eagerness to help others will be greatly missed.

Mike was born in Lubbock, Texas, July 1946, to Ralph Hudgins and Kathryn Hudgins (nee Barth), the oldest of five children. After relocating to Austin, Texas Mike graduated from Saint Edwards High School, and the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Biology. He was an accomplished musician, experienced pilot, general hard worker, inquisitive adventurer and fun-loving father, grandpa and husband.

Mike had a great love of music that he was happy to share with those around him. He began playing piano at an early age, and later picked up the trombone, guitar, harmonica, banjo, and bagpipes (much to the chagrin of some). One of his biggest joys was playing bagpipes in the Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii Band and later in Key West playing Christmas Carols for the Conch Train and Trolleys as they would pass by our decorated home. He was known to happily trade a bagpipe tune for a nip of scotch on St. Patrick's Day or after playing for a parade while in his MacDonald or Black Watch tartan. He loved sipping his Single malt scotch in the corner of a party, swapping stories about his travels and adventures with the best of them.

Captain Mike (Huggie Bear) Hudgins retired honorably after over 30 years of service in the United States Navy and Naval Reserve as an Aviator, Flight Instructor in the Skyhawk A-4 fighter jet and P-3 Orion. He was stationed at Chase Field NAS, and eventually at Barbers Point NAS in Hawaii. While in Hawaii he embarked on a 40-year career as a commercial pilot that included flying and instructing in a range of planes from De Havilland Beavers on floats to DC-8s to Boeing 747-400s. After retiring as a commercial pilot at age 65, he continued flying as a Bush Pilot in Alaska for several years. After retiring as a Bush Pilot, he continued working as a driver on the Key West Trolley, and later as a tour guide at the Truman Little White House. He discussed historical facts with true enthusiasm. He kept his mind sharp with crossword puzzles, sudoku, watching jeopardy with Barbara and always had a book at hand as he was an avid reader. He ran marathons, loved to swim, kayak, and ride his bike in races as a triathlete and later around the island. He had a perfect warm hug and an infectious smile.

Mike was a true adventurer who enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to point out waterfalls in Hawaii from the air, sea, and trails; to explore cities in Asia, the Pacific and around the world; to kayak at sunrise around the San Juan or Hawaiian Islands; to sail in Hawaii, and Greece; cycle in California; ski in Japan; and hike in Alaska. He loved the water and encouraged his kids and grandkids to sail, swim, snorkel, canoe, kayak, boogie board, and scuba dive. He ran with the bulls in Pamplona Spain on his 50th Birthday with his son, taught his oldest daughter to fly, jumpstarting her airline career, and taught his youngest daughter to drive, scuba dive and ski.

He traveled extensively with his wife, Barbara, throughout Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. They met when he was in Key West with the Navy. He couldn't resist her vibrant personality or her delicious healthy cooking. She couldn't resist his blue eyes, his piano playing in her health food restaurant or his invitation to move to Hawaii after their marriage in Key West. On Oahu they shared their lives, took care of each other, and launched adventures for many years before eventually retiring back to Key West in 2016.

Mike was deeply proud of his family and was dearly loved by many. He was dedicated to his friends and family, ever ready to share his support, wisdom, experience, guidance, and laughter. His quick wit, sharp mind, and easy laugh will be remembered fondly. He was intelligent, soft spoken, loved to tell stories and never got angry or mad. He was civic minded and believed in volunteering as a poll worker, donating blood and supported over 11 organizations every year with donations.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hudgins his son Zachary Hudgins, his daughters Sarah Hudgins and Crystal Belfield, all the loves of his life. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Amaya Belfield, Ella Belfield, and Sebastian Hudgins. He is also survived and will be missed by his brothers James and Dr. John Hudgins, his sisters Patricia Basham and Janet Lackner, his nieces and nephews, Kaelee, Meghan, Rachel, Kassidy. and Robert.

A celebration of his life memorial will be held in Key West at the Audubon House on November 11, 2023, for family and friends. Please contact Barbara for details. Barbara is requesting men to wear Aloha Shirts, in Mikes honor as he loved wearing them, and everyone else to wear White Attire. He will be laid to rest in the Key West Cemetery and in 2024 at Punchbowl National Cemetery in Honolulu to honor his Naval career. Those wishing to contribute to a charity in Mike's name may do so to:

1.Audobon Society

2. Reef relief, Key West

3. Sierra Club

4. Doctors Without Borders

5. Sea Shepherd