Carter Funeral Home

Obituary For Gary Lee Hudgins

Carter Funeral Home announces the peaceful transition of Mr. Gary Lee Hudgins of Marietta GA. Mr. Hudgins, 73, transitioned into eternity, Wednesday, April 7, 2021 while surrounded by his caring wife Jean.

Gary Lee Hudgins was born on March 21, 1948, in Port Chester, New York. He was the fifth of ten children born to the late George L. and Susie Hudgins. Gary is preceded in death by two brothers, George Lewis Hudgins, III, Glenn Edward Hudgins, and two sisters, Ruth Ann Hudgins Beverly, and Linda Hudgins Burton. Growing up in the small town of Swainton, NJ, Gary was nurtured by his family and community. Among his favorite childhood stories was building and racing go-karts with the other “Swainton Boys”, and spending time with Keith Lively tooling around in the garage with Keith’s grandfather, fondly called Uncle Billy. In his formative years, Gary was a member of John Wesley Methodist Church. He excelled in athletics playing baseball, football, and basketball in middle and high school years. After high school, Gary joined the military and achieved the rank of SP5 in the Army before his Honorable Discharge in 1973. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Returning home from Vietnam, Gary settled in Atlanta and joined the police force at Georgia Institute of Technology where he retired after thirty years of service as a Lieutenant. One of his passions was bowling and he was a longtime member of a bowling league participating in tournaments around the country. His other passion was researching ancestry where he succeeded in tracing the Hudgins family roots back to the early 18th century.

Gary is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 35 years, Mrs. Jean Hodge Hudgins, two sons, Gary Lee, Jr (Anna Hudgins), Brad Hondo Alston (Debra Alston), grandchildren, Alva and Leo, and many nieces and nephews. He will also be lovingly remembered by his brothers, Gale Hudgins, Gregory Hudgins; Sisters Michele Hudgins Ozumba, Deborah Hudgins Jeff, and Karen Hudgins. His “brothers” Jerome Price (Kathy), Solomon Brown (Pat), and James Thomas (Teresa), and a host of in-laws, cousins, and close friends. Farewell services at graveside, including the rendering of Military honors will be held Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 9:30 am EST from the Georgia National Cemetery of Canton, GA.

The service will be live streamed on Carter Funeral Home Facebook page. (see clickable link below)

In lieu of floral tributes, the family kindly requests memorial tributes in Gary’s memory to the St. Jude Children’s Foundation.

The Staff of Carter Funeral Home is honored to be selected to provide End of Life Services for the late Mr. Gary Lee Hudgins,

Services

Guest Book

I miss you.. Debbie

- Deborah Hudgins Jeff

I miss you still.... Debbie

- Deborah Hudgins Jeff

I miss you still... Debbie

- Deborah Hudgins Jeff

Uncle Gary, always one of my favorite Uncles. I enjoyed every minute spending time with you and loved my Nickname Bunny Rabbit that you named me as well as the sound of your voice. You will forever be in my heart. We recently texted and you could always bring a smile to my face. I will miss those sporadic text with you and Uncle Butch. With All My Heart Uncle. You will be greatly missed. Much Love For You, your niece. Tracey Hudgins-Robinson

- Tracey Robinson

Jean and Hudgins Family, I am praying for solace during this time of loss. May Gary's memories remain in your hearts. (Karen - Georgia Tech Library)

- Karen

I remember Bat's chuckle most of all. I used to drive him to Ft Dix on my way back to New York City in my 64 Buick Wildcat. I can not remember who used to win the go cart races but a good time was always had in Swainton. Not to mention playing in the woods next to the Hudgins house, not sure if that was the Pines or not.

- Herb Lively

I cherish the great conversations Uncle Gary and I had. His deep voice calling out "Hey Bop"(my aunt's & uncles nick named me that) and laughing at my shennanigans is something I've always kept in my heart. I once asked him about his experiences in Vietnam, he said "Bop, no one's ever asked me about how it effected me, thank you for asking but what made you ask"? I told him that I'd always wanted to ask him lots of questions because I knew he would never lie to me and never did. The stories he shared with me were amazing, heartbreaking and genuine but his honesty and warmth was truly who my Uncle was/is. He gave me plenty of advise in my early years and I definitely listened to him. Uncle Gary I love you dearly. Rest in peace in God's arms. Diahann McCulloch

- Diahann

Each one of my uncles gave me valuable moments in time together with them. And I will always cherish those moments as I do the men who made them - each one. Especially my uncle Gary. One late summer morning in Whitesboro, my two uncles, Gary and Butch, decided to go fishing. Uncle Gary looked at me and asked, "Do you want to go fishing?" I thought he was just joking. I saw no fishing poles, no nets, and two uncles dressed like they were going to a ball game. I looked at Uncle Gary and waited for his deep voice to bellow, "Just joking," and his laugh to follow, but it didn't happen. He said, C'mon man." So, I got off the couch still thinking that some kind of trick would unfold as I got into the car with them. Until that moment in time, I had only been crabbing along the marshlands of Wildwood. Never on a boat. Never out to sea, never fishing. It was my first time fishing. We drove to the coast and got onto a big boat with a handful of other people who also didn't look like they were going fishing. And that day was the first day that I had ever gone fishing. It was also the first day that I caught my first fish. A Flounder. Uncle Gary took it off the hook for me. Uncle Butch told me what kind of fish it was. I remember how excited I was. On the way back to Whitesboro Uncle Gary and Uncle Butch both took turns jabbing me about having, "Beginners luck." I have grown to cherish that moment. A little kid grows into man never forgetting the first fish caught, or the one who made it possible to catch. Uncle Gary, may you rest in power. Love, Randy Beverly Jr

- Randy Beverly Jr

I remember Uncle Gary as a warm, funny and kind gentleman. He always took time out to speak to the kids in the family, to check-in and ask how we're doing. I have a cherished childhood memory of Uncle Gary teaching me how to make pancakes during one of the many holiday visits to the grandparents' home in Whitesboro. Many years later I recall a big laugh we shared as we told stories about my mother, his big sister RuthAnn. Sending love and condolences to Jean and the rest of the family. Stephanie Beverly-Smith Los Angeles, CA

- Stephanie

I give Lt. G. Hudgins the credit for getting me started in my law enforcement career. While having a conversation on campus, he told me to put in for an open position for police officer with the department. He was a great leader and mentor. Our conversations will not be forgotten. I pray that the family finds comfort and strength in the Lord during this time of bereavement. God bless. Vernal A. Sutherland III

- v. sutherland

I worked with Lt. Hudgins for many years at Georgia Tech Police Department. I will always remember his sense of humor and the many stories he'd tell while sipping on a cup (several cups in fact) of coffee. He was a good man and a great officer. My prayers go out to his wife and family. - Walter Warner

- Walter Warner

Gary will be missed.

- Emanuel Odums

Gary was wonderful. He will be missed.

- Emanuel Odums

Officer Gary Hudgins and I worked together on the Chattahoochee Technical College Police Department. Gary would come and talk with me sometimes and tell police stories of Him and Darell (Chief Darell Streefkerk) and other officers. Gary was well respected and loved officer. I worked with Gary for many years and it was a pleasure working with him and he was a great officer. God Bless The Family. Gary will be missed - RIP. Emanuel Odums (Retired MSG) Air Force and (Retired Captain) Chattahoochee Technical College Police Department.

- Emanuel Odums

Officer Gary Hudgins and I worked together under Chief Darell Streefkerk Department of Public Safety at Chattahoochee Technical College for many years. Gary would assist anyone in the department. Gary was an Out Standing Officer and he would take the take to laugh and share a few stories. Once Gary told me that he serve in the Military - that all I needed to know. I serve in the Army and have much respect for anyone serving their country. Gary was loved and admired by all. God Bless the family. Officer Gary Hudgins Rest In Heaven. Officer Connie D. Douglas (Alabama)

- Connie Douglas

I worked with Gary Hudgins for a short time on the campus of Chattahoochee Technical College. In that brief time, I came to respect him for his above reproach character, his knowledge of his job and his dedication to his family. Gary, may you spend eternity at the feet of Jesus, praising your Savior all day long. May your family find peace in knowing you are with the Lord and that your legacy lives on in them. God bless Carmen Nelson

- Carmen Nelson

Gary and I worked together for over 28 years at the Georgia Tech Police department. Our relationship started out as colleagues but as time passed, we became more like brothers. As we worked together, we found that we could definitely depend on each other; had each other's back at all times. When we were off duty, we would go out for fun and traveled on many trips together. Gary was very trustworthy and a very giving person. Gary and I would talk often and I valued his advice. I pray that the family will find peace in this time of their loss. I will miss my friend, my brother! Gone, but never forgotten! James Thomas (Retired Captain GTPD)

- James Thomas

We had an interesting career working together for approximately 30 years at GTPD, and I enjoyed and miss the many long discussions we had about work and life in general. May God bless your family as He walks with them during this time of loss. Patrick Wypasek

- Patrick Wypasek

Thank you for the confidence and kindness you have displayed by selecting us as your professional services provider. It is an honor to serve and support you. The Staff and Management of Carter Funeral Home

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