Hudson Monroe Keithley

Described by his mother as “born happy-go-lucky”, Hudson was an intellectually gifted, creative and talented man with a generous love for his family and friends. He was an extraordinary story teller who loved to share laughter with others. He modeled a life of gratitude, focusing on the positive. Most importantly, he was relational, looking into your eyes and listening to your heart. He passed peacefully on September 16, 2023 at the age of 89.

Born Hudson Monroe Keithley on December 1, 1933 in Bel Air, MD, he was the son of Edmund and Pearl Wood Keithley. His father was a jeweler and clock maker in town. He grew up with three siblings, one older brother and two sisters, enjoying boy scouts, baseball, reading and games. He attended Bel Air elementary school where he excelled at reading. He graduated from Bel Air High School in 1951 where he made honor roll, ran cross country, performed in school plays and debated competitively.

After earning an academic scholarship, he attended St. John’s College in Annapolis, MD. He quickly made friends and enjoyed the academic challenge that this “great books” classical education provided. In September of 1953 he married his high school sweetheart, Meg Cochran of Monkton, MD. Shortly after graduating from St. John’s College in 1955, he answered the call to serve in the U.S. Army. After basic training he received a medical related honorable discharge. After considering law school, Hudson decided to accept employment at the Martin Company (later Bendix, then Allied) as an engineer. This was the start of a long, successful career as an engineer, manager and then Information Technology consultant supporting the U.S. military, NASA and Defense Department.

Over the next decade he welcomed five children, Stephen, David, Thomas, Paul and Caroline into the world. He was an active father and community member, embracing many roles in scouts, sports and church. He was an engaging father who loved to teach, often by posing challenging questions or provocative ideas. He truly valued quality time and created positive family experiences and traditions such as annual fall hikes and competitive Easter egg hunts. He endured many practical jokes from his children, testing his patience!

He continually learned new things and took up new hobbies. He planted a vegetable garden and a vineyard, played bridge, tennis and learned to ski in his forties. After 28 years of marriage, he divorced and began a new and fulfilling chapter in his life. In 1987, Hudson married Josephine “Jo” Bogley Troth. They lived and worked in Northern Virginia before happily retiring to New Bern, NC. Hudson bought a sailboat, docking it out back on the Neuse River and began participating in nearby regattas. He and Jo became Life Masters in bridge, teaching and directing bridge tournaments on cruise ships. They played plenty of golf and travelled extensively. They welcomed family to their beautiful coastal home for relaxing visits.

In their later years they became “snowbirds” retiring to Bonita Springs, FL for winters and Columbus, OH and Ft. Mill, SC for summers. Hudson learned to paint with watercolor, took up the art of growing roses and used his gourmet cooking abilities to bless his family and the needy. He kept up with the lives of his and Jo’s grandchildren with visits and watching various sporting events. He had a special connection in his later years to his grandson Justin who visited often sharing their love of history, languages, literature and poetry. Even in his later months with Alzheimer’s taking a toll he continually asked how others were doing, sang many songs, recited much loved verses and, of course, made clever jokes.

Hudson is survived by his son, Steve Keithley; son David (Susie) Keithley; son Tom Keithley; son Paul (Jane) Keithley; daughter Caroline (Rob) Evangelisto; sister Martha Keithley; twelve grandchildren and five great granddaughters. Hudson was predeceased by his wife Josephine Keithley; parents Edmund and Pearl Keithley; sister Janice and brother Hamilton.

We would love for you to come and honor his life at a funeral mass at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Mint Hill, NC at 1:00 on October 9, 2023 followed by a graveside service at 3:00 at Sharon Memorial Park, Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Hudson's name to the Alzheimer's Association.

**Please note any floral deliveries should be made directly to St. Luke's Catholic Church.