Claude Willis Hudson Jr.

CLAUDE W. HUDSON JR. (1924-2016) was born May 10, 1924, in Tarboro, North Carolina. He received his wings to Heaven into the arms of our Lord on April 2, 2016. He is survived by his loving and faithful wife Shirley and his five daughters from his first marriage with Eva Lee, ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His daughters Gail (Tripp) Wood, Cynthia Hollingsworth, Claudia (Robert) Mabesoone, Della (John) Flynn, and Jennifer Hudson (fiancé, Scott McLane). Grandchildren include Tripp M. (Jody) Wood, Sr., Robert Wood; David (Heather) Hollingsworth, Joshua (Cassie) Hollingsworth, Daniel (Gynafer) Hollingsworth; Lauren (Aaron) Thrasher, Amanda Mabesoone; Kayla Flynn, Rachael Flynn; Christopher Hudson. Great-grandchildren, including: T.J. and Harrison Wood; Graysen Hollingsworth; Ty, Talon and Taylor Hollingsworth; twins Jett and Harper Hollingsworth. Six stepchildren include: Jo-Lynn (Jim) Lamb, Joe E. (Cora) Hudson Jr., Elaine (Charlie) Stamas, Jeff (Helen) Hudson, Dana (Jeff) Ratliff , and Dawn(Michael) McMahon. 14 step-grandchildren include: Christi (Grant) Nelson; Rachel Stover, Jesse (Shawn) Lamb; Jennifer Williams; Corrie Ladd, Amelia Stamas, Nick (Taylor) Stamas; Evan, Austin, and Emily Ratliff; Annie and Matthew Hudson; Erin and Jack McMahon. In addition, four step-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Claude Jr.’s parents moved back to Pasco County when he was two years old. He graduated from Gulf High School in 1941. His first wife was Eva Lee Dudgeon (Gulf High School, 1947). They were married 58 years until her death in 2008. In 2010 he married Shirley (Casper) Hudson (GHS, 1953). Claude Jr., one of the youngest pilots in World War II, was the son of Claude Willis Hudson, Sr.(1893-1976) who married Lucy Inez Daniels (1897-1980) of Stonewall, NC, in 1921. They had met when Lucy lived in the Port Richey area. In addition to Claude Jr., Claude and Lucy had three other children: Norma Mae, Joseph Earl and Sylvia. Claude Jr.’s grandfather was Joseph Byrd Hudson (1856-1950), son of Isaac Washington Hudson Sr., was one of the original members of the Pasco County Commission in 1887. As previously noted Claude W. Hudson Jr., was one of the youngest pilots in World War II. He served four years and flew DC3s in China, Burma and India for the Cargo Squadron, supporting the ground troops, a feat which earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross. He later served 16 years in the reserve and achieved the rank of Captain. Claude Jr. attended both the University of Florida and the University of South Florida, receiving a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers. His work history included the Army Corps of Engineers, Western Electric, Honeywell and the City of Clearwater. He also served the Coast Guard Auxiliary Clearwater. He retired from the workforce at age 70, but remained active in the community. Friends and family described him as “a great man who was respected for his loyalty and outstanding work ethics, great husband, father and grandfather.” He enjoyed fishing, tennis, golf and music. He was preceded in death by father Claude W. Sr., mother Lucy, sister Norma, younger brother Joseph Earl, Sr. and first wife Eva Lee.