Wilburn Kelly Hudson Jr.

W. Kelly Hudson, Jr., age 80, a longtime resident of Rome, Georgia, entered into the presence of the Lord on August 17, 2025. A celebration of his life will be held at 3 pm, Saturday, August 23, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Rome. Kelly was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, friend and faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is survived by his wife, Denise, daughters Lisa Hudson Dorough (Chris), Cheryl Hudson Keith (Bobby) and Rachel Hudson Butler (Brad), and son Oliver Drose (Mary Frances). Kelly was adored by his grandchildren Hudson, Helen, Mimi, Carrie, Lindsey, Maggie, Sam, Lillian and Sinclair who affectionately called him "Pops." His admiration for his extended family was evident in his relationship with his loving surviving sister, Cheryl Hudson Allen and her sons, daughters in law and grandchildren.

As the oldest son of Wilburn and Helen Hudson, Kelly was born in Summerville, Georgia, where he was active in his church, earned the honor of being an Eagle Scout, and graduated salutatorian of his class at Chattooga County High School. He went on to attend Georgia Tech, where he was recognized with various honors and achievements and was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Textile Engineering, he ultimately settled in Rome and co-founded Image Carpets in 1976. Under the leadership of Kelly, Image grew from a start up company located in the basement of his personal residence, to a multimillion dollar company with locations in four states and employing over 900 people. Well before recycling plastics became a recognized everyday process, Image became widely known for its innovative program which utilized recycled PET plastic bottles for the formulation of polyester yarn used in carpet manufacturing. Ultimately in 1993, Image went public on the NASDAQ stock exchange and was later purchased by Mohawk Industries. After a brief retirement in 1993, Kelly purchased Hydro Dynamics, Inc., which led Kelly to being listed as the inventor on numerous patents related to the company's remarkable patented technology. As Chief Executive Officer of Hydro Dynamics over the last 32 years, he created various opportunities for the use of the company's unique technology in diverse industries on a worldwide scale. But he most enjoyed those relationships he formed at work and considered those there as his friends.

Over the years, Kelly delighted in his involvement with various organizations including the Faith Board Mission in Del Rio Texas, Board Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Open Door Home where he served as President for several years, board member for 10 years, and member of its advisory board. In particular, he had fond memories of leading bible studies and joining his own mother playing the piano and singing carols at Christmastime with the children at Open Door Home. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church where his participation in his mens bible study was very special to him. At First Presbyterian, he served as a Sunday school teacher and many considered him a friend, mentor and a lover of the word of God. He was a friend to all and deeply loved and respected by his friends, family and community. He enjoyed studying the Bible immensely, working in the yard (especially with his grandson Sam), spending time with family, listening to old sermons, and a good cup of coffee from Waffle House.

While always kind, humble and compassionate, Kelly was most importantly a man of faith who battled hard against cancer with an unwavering faith in his Savior. Prior to the scheduled memorial service honoring Kelly, the family will receive friends from 1-3pm on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Rome at 101 East 3rd Avenue, Rome, GA 30161. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in Kelly's memory to the Open Door Home 5 Leon Street SW, Rome, GA 30161.