Stetson Allen Hudnell

He was preceded in death by his father Stetson C. Hudnell and his mother Ruth E. Parker.

Stetson Allen was a quiet and wise businessman. He loved God, his family and friends. He would say, “God first and then your family”. Stetson spent most of his life in the Washington, DC area before moving to Leland, NC in 2017. He was a member of The National Church of God in Ft. Washington, MD where he served as an elder. After moving to NC he became a member of Life Church pastored by Tim and Harriet Blevins. He served six years in the National Guard. He was a metropolitan police officer in Washington DC for 26 years where he served as a crime scene search office before retiring in 1995. He was a self-taught financial planner and investor.

He was strong like an oak tree. He battled his disease for 16 years, something not seen by any doctor that attended him. He charmed any nursing staff he encountered and became a friend to anyone he bumped into. He never met a stranger. He adored his family fiercely and soaked them up every moment he could, taking endless photos and as he’d say, “making memories”. He made his transition to the Lord knowing he was going to be with his mother and into the arms of Jesus. He had peace. The void is deeply felt by us left behind, and we will have stories to remember, tears of joy and tears of sadness. We will never experience another memory or see a Facebook post quite the same. See you in paradise one day. We love you!

Stetson is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Shelia Deloise Hudnell along with his 4 daughters, Carmita Bridget Criss, Cari Amparo Collins, Stephanie Allison Hudnell and Victoria Athena Blackwell. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and a host of many family members and friends. 

A Visitation will be held at Coble Chapel on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by A Memorial Service in Honor of Stetson from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, and then Repast beginning at 1:00 pm.