Jesse Ronald Hudgins

Jesse Ronald Hudgins, 89, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.

Born in Danville, Va on June 18, 1935, he was the son of the late Doris Gosney Hudgins and Jesse Beckham Hudgins.

Mr. Hudgins attended George Washington High School in Danville, VA where he played football as a halfback. He proudly served in the Airforce, Navy, and US Coast Guard for an  overall  total of 12 years. Mr. Hudgins was a man of great faith in the Lord who was known for his hugs. He was affectionately nicknamed Huggy Bear on the Railroad (Norfolk Southern) where he worked as a brakeman until he retired at the age of 60. He was a great husband, father, Papaw, and friend.   He was deeply in love with his sweetheart, Jean, whom he was married to for over 65 years. He has missed her so and now they are reunited at last!

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Clare Jean Hudgins Long. 

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Brenda Newsome of Spencer, NC, Debra Ann Houston (Frankie) of Rockwell, NC, Eva Schumacher of Salisbury, NC, and Angela Michael (Lee) of Lexington, NC; his sisters Carolyn (Lee) Bailey of Charlotte, NC and Judy (Oliver) Atkins of Hampton, Va; 14 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 1 in heaven, and 2 great-great grandchildren. 

Service: 12:00 PM Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Central Baptist Church, 1810 Moose Rd. Kannapolis, NC 28083. 

Burial: 1:00 PM Friday October 11, 2024, at Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, NC 28144. Military honors conducted by the Lyerly Volunteer Honor Guard.

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