Lester A. Hudson Jr., Ph.D.

June 27, 1939 - March 16, 2024

Facebook

Open Hearts United Methodist Church

2703 Augusta St.

Greenville, South Carolina 29605

8642338114 |

Saturday 3/23, 12:30 pm

A reception will follow the service at the Poinsett Club, 807 E Washington St, Greenville, SC from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Lester A. Hudson Jr., Ph.D., 84, husband of 61 years to Jane C. Hudson of Greenville, SC, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024.

Born in Sumter, SC, to the late Lester A. Hudson, Sr., and Estelle Jones Hudson. Les dedicated his life to excellence, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and compassion.

Les graduated from Furman University and then served in the U.S. Army in Germany. He earned an MBA from USC and began his career in textiles as a supervisor in weaving at the Milliken Judson mill. Les became an industry leader as the CEO of Dan River Textiles in Danville, VA. He embarked on a second career and earned a Doctorate degree from Clemson University. He became a Business Professor at Clemson and Queens. Among other companies, he was a senior director at American Electric Power and American National Bank. Les graduated from three South Carolina universities. He became an avid runner when running wasn’t cool.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Steve Hudson, and his wife Jenny, and Patrick Hudson, and his wife Shannon; five cherished grandchildren, Charlie, Henry, Barbara, Zack, and Joe; and his sister, Patricia Pulaski. Lester’s loving impact on their lives will always be remembered. Les was a man of action and kindness. He understood God is Great.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. at Open Hearts United Methodist Church, Greenville, SC. A reception will follow at The Poinsett Club located at 807 E Washington St, Greenville, SC from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to United Ministries, Greenville SC at united-ministries.org, or to an Alzheimer’s foundation of your choice.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Lester with the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes

Emily Curtis Kolb

Linda and Ralph Elliott

Light a candle

Open Hearts United Methodist Church

2703 Augusta St.

Greenville, South Carolina 29605

8642338114 | Map

Saturday 3/23, 12:30 pm

A reception will follow the service at the Poinsett Club, 807 E Washington St, Greenville, SC from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Lester A. Hudson Jr., Ph.D., 84, husband of 61 years to Jane C. Hudson of Greenville, SC, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024. Born in Sumter, SC, to the late Lester A. Hudson, Sr., and Estelle Jones Hudson. Les dedicated his life to excellence, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and compassion. LesContinue Reading

See Condolences

Jane, Steve and Patrick, I can't even begin to tell you what your family means to the Bells. Hearing about the loss of Less is heartbreaking. So many wonderful memories and so much laughter shared between our families. I, on behalf of all of us, am sending you all my love and biggest hugs. I hope that time and memories will bring you peace. Love always, Taylor Bell (Ken, Kathy, and Carter)

I am so sorry to hear about Les. I had the honor of serving as his dissertation advisor when he pursued his PhD at Clemson University following his successful corporate career. He was one of the most charming, conscientious, and kind people I’ve ever met. My most vivid memories of Les are tied to books. He was such an avid reader! Always recommending books that he had read - and emphasizing the importance of a life of the mind. I have wonderful memories of working with him - and am glad I had an opportunity to know such a special man. My thoughts are with Jane, Steve, Patrick and the rest of the family. Caron

In memory of Lester A. Hudson Jr., Ph.D., Emily Curtis Kolb lit a candle

I was saddened to hear of Les Hudson’s passing. As a teenager and neighbor in Danville, I babysat for Les and Jane’s toddler sons. When the going rate was 50 cents an hour, I always did much better at the Hudson home. Several years later, shortly after I graduated from college, my mother died at a too early age. I will always be grateful to Les for inviting me to tag along on the Dan River corporate plane to NYC. While Les attended his meetings, I was able to spend the day with a close college friend at a time when I needed that support. He was a nice man, and my thoughts to Jane and the no-longer-toddler boys.

In his work at Clemson University as well as at Queens College, professor Hudson planted the seeds for greatness and entrepreneurship in his students.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Lester Hudson . Plant a Tree

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Jane, Steve and Pat, I am so so sorry to hear the sad news about Les. Fortunately I got to see him a couple of years ago at Townes Richardson’s wedding. It had been too many years of a wonderful man who our family loved and respected. Growing up in your backyard (or maybe it was the Womack’s), working with Patrick in the pro shop (and learning new and colorful word from Courtland NY’s best - Phil and Robert), and watching Les lead Dan River during it last great period (while defeating single handedly Carl Icahn’s takeover attempt), were such great Hudson memories. Mom and Dad loved both of you so much and mom still lights up when she hears the name Jane Hudson. The Hudson Family and especially Les are legendary in the Wyatt/Adams/Townes Family. Love Stephanie, Rob(ert), Joseph, George, Sam, Pickles, Poppie, and ZuZu (all 3 are frenchies so we may have a problem)

We are so sorry to hear of Les’s passing and send our deepest condolences to Jane and family.

We have such fond memories of traveling with Les and Jane when they were volunteering to help with Clemson conferences held in cities around the US such as San Francisco, Nashville, Key West and others. Also to Italy. Upbeat, enthusiastic, a distinctive cordial laugh, full of energy, always willing to take charge when needed, just a few of the many attributes of Les Hudson. A truly remarkable man only exceeded by his wonderful wife Jane. Love, Linda and Ralph Elliott Clemson, South Carolina

Jane & I are very sorry for your loss. Les was a great person and shall be missed by many.

Jane, I am so sorry. I have so many memories of you and Les. They go all the way back to Steve and Leslie being in first grade at Cedarbrook up to my time at Dan River when Les was President. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Dawn Davis

Our most heartfelt sympathies on the loss of such a wonderful man. With love, the Curtis family (Bud, Warren, Mark, and Carol).

In Our Thoughts was purchased for the family of Lester Hudson by Anonymous. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Lester Hudson

My heart goes out to the Hudson Family. Mr Hudson was such a great human being and I am honored to have had the pleasure of getting to know him being a part of his life. He and Jane have raised a fantastic family. Spending time with his boys at Clemson was such a fun time and being able to share those times with them and Mr and Mrs Hudson created such fond memories for me. He leaves a great legacy and will be missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.