William “Bill” Hudgins

Bill was a beautiful soul taken from us too soon.

Prayers and sincere sympathy to the family 🙏🙏Bill was a great person ; always enjoyed seeing Bill at our 1962 Shelby High School Class Reunions ; he always found a way to make everyone feel welcome; one way I remember is when he made ..cd’s of the classic music of the 50’s and 60’s and freely gave each class mate attending a copy. Frances Allen Earwood

So long, big brother. Tonight we'll play your favorite beach music, have a few cold ones, and celebrate you. Glad you are finally at peace. Gonna miss you. I will always be thankful for what you gave me.

In early February 2018 I approached Bill during lunch at Oakleaf Assisted Living to see if he was interested in joining my painting class. He asked if he could paint a violin, two other instruments for his son. He came to class. He loved painting and wanted to paint for many family & friends, even one of his doctors who went to Clemson. In conversations we found we were the same age. I was a Yankee but he still wanted to be friends.😊 We talked often. I taught exercise which he joined. Two other residents played cribbage so the four of us started playing cribbage every week. We also talked about everything, from high school days, family, military, old movies & music. He made me many CD's. The music was good, his work to create covers was extra special. He talked of life's adventures, loves, regrets, wishes. When covid came, I could no longer go inside assisted living so I came every week. Bill would come to dining room window, others would join him and between his & my phone we would chat, laugh. I found an online cribbage game and asked Bill if he'd like to play. Little did I know it would become a ritual. I pulled up statisics. Since March 15, 2020 we played 4,995 games. We played while watching TV in evening...nearly every evening. I will always have love for Bill. He touched my heart. He loved doing for others. He worried about everything & everybody. His eyes lit up every time his daughter walked in. I remarked to him about his beautiful eyes. He said at a class reunion some lady told him that no matter how old they were getting, he'd always have bedroom eyes. God's blessing as he is now with his sister, Cookie, he dearly loved. God's blessing on his family and all who was fortunate to be a part of his life on earth.

Sherlyn and Brent, Your dad was like the father I didn't have. He was so much more laid back and accepting than my overbearing one. All the nights I spent at your house when I was in high school are some of my best memories. I always loved when your dad would make London Broil. 😁 yum-yum! I also loved razzing you guys with him every time CLEMSON would win. But now he's got the best seats in the stadium! Christmas parties were always so much fun at your house. But then again, everything was always more fun at your house because of your dad. Thanks for sharing him with me. He will always hold a special place in my heart. ❤️ And he will be missed.

On behalf of the Shelby High Class of ‘62, I would like to send thoughts and prayers to Billy’s family as they deal with the loss of this special person. Billy was such a caring and sharing individual. For example, his contributions to our Reunion 50 were invaluable. Many of us experienced his sharing spirit by receiving music cd’s he so willing sent to us. Bill was indeed a special friend to his classmates….he will be missed. RIP, fellow Golden Lion. Dick Hamrick, SHS ‘62

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