Obituary of Stephen Hudgins

Stephen B. Hudgins, age 92, of Ocala, FL passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2011. He was born in Atlanta, GA on July 20, 1919, and raised in Moultrie, GA. He was the son of Harold Hamilton Hudgins and Claudia Hortense Hudgins. Steve served in the US Army during WWII. In 1946 he attended Freed-Hardeman College, after which he was a faithful gospel preacher for 65 years, including 50 years in Ocala. During this time he also operated Steve Hudgins Specialty Advertising, Inc., with customers throughout the Southeast. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Georgia Mounts Hudgins. Survivors include his son James Hudgins of Sterling Heights, MI, three daughters, Bonnie Copeland of Kissimmee, FL, Amy Hudgins of Ocala, Stephani Hudgins of Ocala; five grandchildren, Todd Hudgins, Steve Hudgins, Georgianna Copeland, Ashley Moljong, Tyler Copeland; four great-grandchildren, Jordan, Keegan, Garrett, Truman; his brother Joseph Hudgins of Greensboro, NC; and 44 foster babies. A visitation will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, on Friday, November 18, 2011 from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be at Hiers-Baxley on Saturday, 11am, with Bobby Thompson and Mark Copeland officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Marion County, Inc., PO Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478.