Samuel Jarvis Hudgins

Samuel Jarvis Hudgins was born October 14th, 1925 to Harvey P. “Bebe” Hudgins and Greetchen Jarvis Hudgins. Born in Helena, Arkansas, Sam moved with his mother and father as a young boy to Jackson, Tennessee where he resided the majority of his life. A graduate of Pope High School, he went on to enlist in the United States Marine Corps where he served honorably in WWII. Upon return, Sam graduated from Lambuth College with a degree in Political Science, where following he would later become a successful businessman and entrepreneur Many year of his career we worked for Firestone holding different positions, including running his own stores. He ran a few of his own establishments until he retired in 1989 with Exxon. Retirement never slowed Sam down, he went on to continue to help many other men in business through his service with S.C.O.R.E. where for a time he served as President of his local Chapter. Sam was a life time member of the Masonic Lodge No. 45. Sam Hudgins was a man of great faith and deep devotion. A member of Poplar Comer Baptist Church, Sam was Sunday School Superintendent for many years and taught an adult men’s class in the church for over 30 years. He was highly regarded in every community he was a part of. He was married 54 years to his loving wife Ann Hudgins. Together they built a life with their four daughters; Sylvia (Wilson Smith), Brenda (Larry Rowe), Carol and Rene (Earl Mizell). Sam and Ann have nine grandchildren: Jeffry Smith, Drew and Eric Reardon, Sam Cross, Chris Reeves, Mark Mizell, Amber, Brittany, and Kim; and fourteen great grandchildren: Bennett, Ava, Rhiannon, Savannah, Jackson, Joanna, John, Amelia, Logan, Sawyer, Dawson, Micah, Lillian, and Bryce.

A true southern gentleman, Sam was a man of great character, high moral standard and faith that guided his steps. Without fail he stood firm on his convictions and foundation in Christ. Equal parts stubborn and compassionate; there was not a person Sam wouldn’t go out of his way to help. A poet, carpenter, philosopher, jokester, hard worker, contributing member of his community, dedicated father and husband, many words are used to describe him but if there were one word that embodied his character it was love. Sam loved his family with commitment and was a loyal friend all of his days. He set the standard high as a husband, father, and grandfather; he loved his family as Christ loves the church, by setting aside his life for theirs. He provided faithfully, loved whole heartedly, and led with integrity. There was never a shortage of unconditional love or swelling pride he felt for his family. Sam was a sage man with a singular focus; to cherish his wife, love his family, make every day impacts, and honor his Lord. He wasn’t perfect and he would be first to remind you, but he was a man who lived by his convictions and left an everlasting mark on every life he touched. He truly was a man among generations and Sam will be cherished and deeply missed by all who knew him.

---Written by Brittany Mizell