Alvin E Hudson

On Sunday, February 4, 2024, Alvin Eugene Hudson, 89, entered his heavenly home and into the presence of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born on Easter Sunday, April l, 1934. A day fitting to all who knew him. "A jokester," "a card," "a real character" are descriptions that have been aptly used by many who have come in contact with Alvin Hudson.
Born and raised in Milton, Florida, he was the youngest of three to Ray and Mattie
Hudson, Though he loved to travel and see new places, home is where he wanted to be. He joined the Air Force in 1953 and boarded a bus bound for Texas. To him, it was a million miles away. About nightfall he would look in the direction of Milton and think about what his Mama and Daddy would be doing about that time and ache for home. When the day came for him and his two buddies who had enlisted with him to find out where they would be stationed, they knew Eglin wasn't an option. The friends got to stay together while he was sent elsewhere. But, he called home and said, "Mama, guess where I'm going." She calmly replied, "I know, son, you're coming to Eglin." He asked, "Mama, how did you know?" since he knew there was no way she got the news before he did. In her sweet, small, but assured voice, she simply said, "Son, because I've been praying."
While in the Air Force, he was wooing a pretty young thing he spotted at Wayside Park.
There weren't any sparks on her part, and she even tried setting him up with other girls. But her feelings soon changed and those beautiful baby blues, along with the sweet melodies he would sing, captured her heart and they wed March 1, 1958.
Alvin soon became a loving, devoted, and proud father to three girls - Angela, Felicia, and Jodi - who looked up to him throughout their lives. In their eyes, there wasn't anything he couldn't do, no problem he couldn't fix. And no matter what he was doing or where he was going, he usually had one or more at his side. It wasn't unusual to see them next to him on the tractor while bush hogging or up on the roof putting down shingles or riding in the truck running dogs. Whatever adventure crossed his mind, they were onboard! And when his grandchildren came along, their relationships were just as strong.
After his time in the military, he worked for Air Products before going into the cabinet and construction business. He took pride in his work and people still came up to him years later to brag on the job that was done. He later went to work at Whiting Field in the carpenter shop, using the same tools his father had used when he worked there.
Alvin enjoyed everything outdoors: from hunting to fishing and camping to water skiing. He loved pulling countless family members and friends behind the boat, whether they were skiing, tubing, knee boarding, or wakeboarding. He could still drop a ski and skate a mean dance even after his first knee replacement in 1992. He passed down the skill of spreading a net and took pride when even the girls tossed a good cast. A natural storyteller, family and friends could listen for hours. He loved being with family and making new friends, never meeting a stranger. Whether it was Alvin, Alvie, "Nugene," "Sugar Booger," Daddy, Paps or Mr. Hudson, he answered the call.
He was preceded in death and joyously greeted by his daughter, Angela Elizabeth Elder. Along with his daughter, he was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn (Elwood) Greene; sister-in-law, Junell Hudson; nephew, Wayne Greene; parents-in-law Comer and Orell Bodie; sister-in-law, Linda Bodie; brother-in-law, Mike Bodie; and sister-in-law, Darlene Williams.
Alvin is survived by his devoted wife of almost 66 years, Rose Ella Hudson; daughters,
Felicia (Tim) Byrd, Jodi Hudson; grandchildren Todd (Carlee) Elder, Ashlee White,
Zachary (Mara) White; great-grandchildren Hudson White, Annabelle Gandy, Barrett White, Alvi Elder; brother Jack Hudson; in-laws Terry (Karen) Bodie, Marion Williams, Debbie (Thad) Pace; and many nieces and nephews that he dearly loved.
Although our hearts are breaking, we know he is in the middle of joyful laughter, sharing stories, and praising the Lord with his family who welcomed him home and his best friends Jerry Broxson and Jerrell Lynchard. What a wonderful reunion!
Visitation will be held at 12:30 P.M. on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Pine Terrace Baptist Church, Milton, Florida. His Homegoing Celebration will follow at 2:00 P.M. with pastor Mike Wiggins officiating. Interment will follow in Serenity Gardens Cemetery, with Trahan Funeral Home directing.
Pallbearers: Todd Elder, Zachary White, Tim Byrd, Glenn Ates, Shane Jurjens, and Eddie English.
Honorary Pallbearers: Billy and Ann Simmons, Waylan and Hazel Lunsford, Bobby and June Jordan, Ned and Joyce Guy, Buddy and Cindy Hamilton, Walter and Beverly Mack and members of Grady and Mary Hester's Connection Class.
In lieu of flowers, consider a contribution in memory of Alvin to Samaritan's Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org) or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the outpouring of prayers, love, and kindness. Your thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated and will always be remembered. May God bless you all!