Robert Franklin Hudson Jr.

Robert Franklin Hudson, Jr. was born on May 30, 1932 in Pinson, TN. He was the only child born to share-cropper and later Postmaster, Robert Franklin Hudson, Sr. and Second Grade School Teacher, Nina Marie (Barham) Hudson; both of which preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Margaret Elizabeth (Bettye) Tapley Hudson and four children: Karen Denise Hudson Roe (David), Robert Franklin (Bobby) Hudson, III (Wanda); Marie Elaine Hudson Fitts (Lee), Bonita Jane Hudson Pearson (Lowry); granddaughter: Hannah Brooke Pearson Eaton (Nathan) and one step-grandson: Cody Lee Fitts (Emily).

A well-lived life that spanned almost a century, Mr. Hudson’s family moved from Pinson, TN to the Malesus community in South Jackson, TN when he was a young boy. He was raised in the Methodist Church and was a member at Malesus United Methodist Church his entire life.

Mr. Hudson enjoyed sports and played basketball in high school. He later claimed the highest academic achievement of Valedictorian of the 1950 graduating class of Malesus High School. He attended Lambuth College majoring in Business and went on to work for the Eli Witt Company, where he was a vendor for many years, providing goods and tobacco to grocery stores, gasoline stations and convenience stores in the surrounding area. He was later promoted to branch manager and retired there in 1987 at the age of 55.

Conversations in later years with Robert Franklin outlined his memories growing up with modest means. The family made a living by farming and walked or used a mule for transportation in his early years.

He shared stories of growing up before the modern conveniences of indoor plumbing, electricity or refrigeration were installed in the home. He told of evening conversations, teaching and Bible reading by the light of coal oil lamps. Ice blocks were delivered twice weekly by horse and buggy to aid in food preservation, while meats were salt cured and kept in a smoke house.

He recalled mandatory blackouts during WWII, which were restrictions on outdoor lighting to make it harder for enemy combatants to find their targets at night. The radio was their first introduction to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats during the Great Depression, and he noted them as having provided a great deal of comfort to the nation during very difficult and trying times.

Robert Franklin had a great affinity for automobiles and was blessed to have owned several new cars over the course of his lifetime. His favorite, a blue and white 1958 Mercury Monterey. A classic American-made full-size car featuring bold “space-age” 1950s styling, prominent tail fins and quad headlights. It featured extensive chrome and a distinctive grille which he said was “really cool”! He enjoyed watching the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auctions on television and was also a huge NBA Basketball fan.

Mr. Hudson was a firm believer in God and encouraged his family during times of trial to always “Give it to Jesus.” He often quoted Matthew 5:9 from the Bible (KJV) which states: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God”. Robert Franklin actively lived out this verse and fostered peace, reconciliation and unity. This was truly his spiritual gift, and his expression of Christian faith. Many were blessed by this example. Mr. Hudson died peacefully at the age of 93 on 5/1/26 in his home, with his family near him. He will be greatly missed!

The family wishes to thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice for their incredible care and compassion shown to our entire family during such a challenging time.

A graveside service to celebrate the life of Robert F. Hudson, Jr. will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. at Ebenezer Cemetery in Malesus. The family will receive friends at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial gifts be made in his honor to either The American Heart Association, Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231 at www.heart.org or Malesus United Methodist Church, 448 Old Malesus Road, Jackson, TN 38301