Willie Craig Hudson Sr. Sr.

Willie Craig Hudson Sr., age 61, known to all as Craig, went to be with the Lord August 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and family.

Craig, born October 28, 1963, in Carteret County to the late Willie Craven Hudson (Bill), and late Ruby Eldgridge Smith Hudson (Ellie). Both of whom he loved and cherished dearly.

Growing up in Craven County Craig had many friends that he considered family. Including Gil and Sandra Haskins and the whole Haskins family and his neighbor Sally Hanover that has been a faithful friend during these past several years. He took great pride in his trade as a plumber/ Working for Cayton Plumbing as a young man and then for Twin Rivers Plumbing for many years. Giving his time and talents to family with their home plumbing projects is something he looked forward to doing knowing he was giving a helping hand.

His greatest accomplishment was becoming a father to his son, Willie Craig Hudson (Will). One of his proudest moments was watching his son and daughter-in-law wed in his last days here. The memories they shared will be a comfort in these difficult days ahead. Although Craig had been through trying times his love for his family was never questioned. Always there for events and holidays, even having the privilege of walking his niece down the aisle on her wedding day. His presence will be missed by all who loved him.

He is preceded in death by his father Willie Craven Hudson, and mother Ruby Eldridge (Smith) Hudson; stepson Aaron Hardin and brother-in-law Joseph Wiggins.

Craig is survived by his son, Willie Craig Hudson Jr (Madi) of Vanceboro; Patty Broughton of Jacksonville; stepson Alan Hardin (Jennifer) of Richlands; sister Carolyn Thomas (Tracy) of Pollocksville; sister Tammy Wiggins of New Bern; niece Jessica Payne (Kenny); nephew Matthew Rhodes (Courtney); niece Bonnie Baumgardner (Adam); nephew Elliot Thomas; nephew Ryan Thomas (Lauren) ; and nephew Nathan Thomas. great nieces and nephews: Hudson, Anna, Mattie, Riley Kate, Charlie, Kate, and Remy, and a number of aunts uncles and cousins that Craig loved dearly.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the hospice nurses and CNAs from Gentiva; Wayne, Tony, and Suzanne, and Kaitlyn that helped care for Craig and the family in his last days.

A Celebration of Craig's Life will be held on Saturday August 16, 2025, 11:00 am, at Kahlert Funeral Chapel with Pastor Colt Allen officiating. The family will be receiving friends half an hour prior to the service at the funeral home, from 10:30 am to 11:00 am. Interment will follow the service at the Mills Family Cemetery in Maysville.