Ronald Hudson

Ron Hudson, 69, of Batesville, Arkansas passed on to his eternal home on Friday, February 27, 2026. Ron was born on January 27, 1957 in Orange County, California to Gordon and Frances Lawrence Hudson. He was a certified Marine Technician.

Ron was known far and wide as the best “boat man” around. If it had a motor and floated, he could fix it. And if he couldn’t fix it, he would design a better way to build it. He had a natural gift for understanding how things worked and an even bigger gift for making them work better. Over the years, he invented and designed all kinds of equipment to make life easier, always thinking ahead and never settling for ordinary.

He never met a stranger. A simple trip to the store could turn into an hour of some good mechanical advice. Ron had a personality that filled the room, a quick wit that kept everyone smiling, and a love for life that was absolutely contagious. Being around him just made things brighter. He leaves behind much more than memories. He leaves behind laughter and smiles with those memories, knowledge shared freely, and a whole lot of people who were better for having known him.

He was proud to be a part of the United Sates National Guard, Company B/2nd Battalion-153rd Infantry in Batesville, having served in Honduras, Kuwait and Sinai.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three nephews, Randy Spooner, Ross Spooner and Sean Spooner; two brothers-in-law, Larry Girtman and Danny Howell; and two sisters-in-law, Debbie Howell and Roberta Spooner.

Ron shared 31 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Patti Hudson. He was so proud of his two daughters, Haylee Hudson (John) of Batesville and Macy Hudson of Bentonville. He is also survived by two brothers, Bob (Ramona) Spooner or Oregon and Frank (Nancy) Spooner of Batesville; four nieces, Kristin (T.W.) Halford and Rhonda Rogers of Batesville, Candice (Brad) Thorne and Katie Beth (Nicholas) Lockhart of Cave City; one nephew, Chris (Chelsey) Howell of Melbourne; and a host of other relatives and great friends who all carry a memorable story about Ron.

A Celebration of Ron’s Life will be Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church of Desha. Friends and Family are encouraged to share memories.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service begins.

Arrangements are by Qualls Funeral Homes.