September 7, 2023, 69, Goldsboro —
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, The one who is righteous will live by faith.”
Romans 1:17
Gene didn’t preach faith, he quietly lived it from December 3, 1953, until he left his earthly home encircled in love by his family and dear friend to be embraced in Heaven by God on September 7, 2023.
How can any written word express the life of a man every person aspires to be? Gene Hudgins was that man. He was a kind friend to everyone he met and enjoyed life to the fullest. More than anything he loved family, friends, nature, and animals. Gene knew he had a limited time on earth which he conveyed to a special neighbor just weeks before his death. He made the most of his lifetime. He felt an obligation to find and give joy—in the beauty of his surroundings and in the company of those he loved. He knew nothing material really mattered just friends and family. The most satisfying moments in his life were those special occasions with friends and family, especially annual family reunions.
Gene graduated from Southern Wayne High School in 1972 and attended Pike’s Peak Community College. He served 23 years in the Air Force including the Gulf War. Gene loved cooking for others’ enjoyment and once cooked 6 pigs for the Seymour Johnson AFB Family Support Center and Base Chapel and often did the same for his Air Force Maintenance Squadron and Millie’s Communications Squadron.
Gene was the loving son of Jim and Vickie Hudgins who were, no doubt, there in Heaven to light his way. Gene leaves his wife of 46 years, Millie Hudgins, and his children, Kristen Behrend (Joe), David Peterson (Susan), Bill Peterson (Julia), Audrey Waldeck, and Frank Waldeck. Gene delighted in activities with his beloved grandchildren, Yimmi Ridder (Thomas), Bennett Peterson, Olivia Megson, Zack Turbyfill, Lacey Peterson, Joey Behrend, Ethan Turbyfill, Zane Turbyfill, Frank Waldeck, Amelia Waldeck, Kara Behrend, and Sadie Behrend and great-grandchildren, Sunnie and Luna Ridder. He was the support person to Mollie & Dottie, his Boston Terriers.
Family and friends will gather in celebration of his life at a later date this Fall.
