Rayford Raleigh Hudson III

Rayford Raleigh Hudson III, affectionately known as the "Silver Fox," passed away peacefully with his family surrounding him on March 6th at the age of 83. Born on February 1, 1942, in Jackson, Mississippi, he was the son of Rayford Hudson Jr. and Brunette Deen.

Following his graduation from Murrah High School in 1959, Rayford attended Ole Miss, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. After earning his pharmacy degree, he served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. During this time, he married Rebecca Fowler. While stationed at Madigan Army Hospital at Fort Lewis Army Base in Tacoma, Washington, he served as the Chief of Pharmacy.

After completing his military service, Rayford returned to Jackson, Mississippi, where he worked as a pharmacist at Super D Drugs in Highland Village. A few years later, he transitioned into finance, becoming a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him into real estate development, partnering with James Fowler to develop Northpointe, Calumet, Palisades, and Rolling Meadows, and other ventures throughout his lifetime. Rayford was instrumental in the relocating and restoration of Fowler lodge which is now called the Reservoir Lodge. He was also the owner of Rapids on the Reservoir which led to many good times and good stories.

Dedicated to his community, Rayford was a founder and treasurer of the Barnett Reservoir Foundation since its inception in 2011. He cherished time spent with friends at Kathryn’s Steak House and had a deep love for football. He was also a proud member of the B&B Club and the Southern Timber Club. He was an honorary life and board member of the American Legion Post 67, which he fondly called "The Rocks". He supported the YMCA for many years as well and served as chairman of the board of directors. He was also a member of Christ United Methodist Church.

Rayford will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, his ability to make others feel at ease, and his unwavering devotion to his family. No matter the time of day, he always greeted others with a cheerful “Good morning”. He also had a deep admiration for John Wayne, appreciating the legendary actor’s grit, integrity, and larger-than-life presence, qualities that were reflected in his own life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rayford Hudson Jr. and Brunette Deen, his sister Jeanette Hudson, and his son Jeffrey (Jeff) Fowler Hudson.

Rayford is survived by his sons, Rafe Hudson (Jennifer) of Jackson, MS, and Tom Hudson (Linda Carol) of Jackson, MS. He was a beloved grandfather to eight grandchildren: Hayden Hudson of Austin, TX; Hannah Hudson of Denver, CO; Hally Grace Hudson of Oxford, MS; Katherine Hudson of Jackson, MS; Ford Hudson of Oxford, MS; Kirkland Hudson of Jackson, MS; Mary Fowler Hudson of Jackson, MS; and Carol Ann Hudson of Jackson, MS.

Rayford’s legacy of love, laughter and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation at Parkway Funeral Home, Ridgeland on Friday, March 14th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 with graveside burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Gateway Rescue Mission of Jackson.