Paul Hudson

Paul Hudson age 84 went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 13, 2017. He was born November 10, 1932, in Batesville, Arkansas to Paul B. and Zelda Olive (Brooks) Hudson. He graduated from Batesville High School in 1950. On January 5, 1954 he married Roetta Reves in Batesville. She preceded him in death on September 20, 2014. He was also preceded in death by his parents and sisters Clara McDuffee and Frankie Crow. He served his country in the U.S. Army in 1954 being stationed with the 82nd Airborne Division, in Fayetteville, N.C. with an honorable discharge in 1956. He later attended Arkansas College with an emphasis on chemistry. He and his wife relocated to Memphis, TN in 1957 where they had their first child, Chris. Paul supported his family by working as a deck hand on river boats on the Mississippi River alongside his father. Paul and his family moved to Artesia, NM in 1957 where they had their second child, Susan. Paul continued his education at NMSU and in 1957 he began a successful career with Navajo Refinery, retiring with 41 years as Lab Supervisor. He was an active member of First Baptist Church where he found pleasure in serving as a deacon, participating in the Behold the Lamb and the Bride productions, and singing in the choir. He enjoyed time with his family, hunting, gardening, playing dominoes, riding motor cycles, square dancing, spending time in the mountains, playing his guitar and piano, riding his bike, and also enjoyed playing on the church softball team. Paul was well known for his love of the Lord and many times expressed his love by singing. His favorite Bible verses were Isaiah 41:10 and Romans 10:13. He was very devoted to his family, had great compassion for others, a sense of humor that made everyone laugh. He never knew a stranger and he was a Christian testimony to many. He is survived by his children Chris Hudson and Susan Hudson and a host of nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be Monday, March 20, 2017at 2:00 p.m. at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville with arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service of Batesville. Visitation will be Monday, March 20, 2017 from 12:00 until 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are asked to be made in Paul Hudson’s name to the New Mexico Baptist Children's Home, 2200 S Avenue I, Portales, NM 88130