Willie "Bill" C. Hudson

Willie Craven “Bill” Hudson, Papa to many, of River Bend, NC, went to be with the Lord at his home with his family by his side on December 12th, 2016. He was 90 years old.

Bill, a native of Bladen County, was born on July 21, 1926, to the late Henry Lee and late Mae Belle (Lewis) Hudson.

He is preceded in death by his son-in-law Joey Wiggins of New Bern and grandchild Aaron Hardin.

Papa is survived by his wife of sixty-seven beautiful years, Ruby “Ellie” Hudson; daughters Carolyn Thomas (Tracy) of Pollocksville and Tammy Wiggins of New Bern; son Craig Hudson, Sr. (Patty) of New Bern; grandchildren Elliot Thomas, Matthew Rhodes (Courtney), Jessica Vega, Ryan Thomas (Lauren), Bonnie Baumgardner (Adam), Nathan Thomas and Willie Hudson, Jr., and Allen Hardin (Jennifer); great-grandchildren Hudson, Anna, Mattie, Riley Kate and Schep; extended family Chandler, Hannah, Ally, Logan, Ayden, Sammy and Weston.

He worked with International Paper Company for forty-one years. He retired in 1991 to spend more time with his loving wife and family. He was a selfless family man that enjoyed great conversation and a good laugh. He loved woodworking and a productive home project.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 pm Friday, December 16, 2016 at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Burial will follow at New Bern Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-2 pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations to his honor are requested to the Tabernacle Baptist Church Family Life Center Building Fund, New Bern, NC

Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.