Maxie Touchstone Hudson, 92, of Cullman, Alabama, was born September 1, 1933, in Northport, Alabama, and died July 5, 2026. Born during the Great Depression, Maxie’s early years were marked by family hardship and frequent moves, yet he met those seasons with steady resolve and a bright, cheerful spirit that never lost its warmth. He graduated from Northport High School in 1951 and went on to attend the University of Alabama under the GI Bill, earning a bachelor’s degree in business in 1959—among the first in his family to achieve a college education, a milestone reached through discipline, hard work, and quiet determination.
Maxie served in the Air Force and was stationed at Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Germany as a Cryptographer, decoding secret messages—work that called for precision, discretion, and courage. After college, he worked several jobs before finding his professional home at First Federal Savings and Loan, where his integrity, thoughtful leadership, and steadfast commitment to others ultimately led him to become president. He retired in 1994, and in the years that followed, he found deep enjoyment in traveling, spending time with family, Alabama Football, and birdwatching—simple pleasures made richer by his gentle attentiveness and enduring sense of gratitude.
A devoted and faithful man, Maxie was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Cullman. He attended Sunday service as long as his health allowed, and when it became difficult to be present in person, his commitment did not waver; he continued to watch the streaming service from his iPad each Sunday. He also valued service beyond the church walls through his membership in the Cullman Rotary Club, where he took part in community projects with the same generous, selfless spirit that shaped every part of his life.
Maxie was a life-long fan of the University of Alabama athletic programs, especially football, and he brought that same loyal enthusiasm to the people he loved. He enjoyed cooking and made it a personal mission to ensure everyone was fed—an everyday expression of compassion and care that made others feel welcomed, safe, and cherished. Those closest to him will remember not only his kindness and wisdom, but also his humor—sometimes sharpened with a touch of sarcasm—offered in a way that could lighten a room without diminishing the moment. He carried himself with honesty and class, balancing the steadiness of a disciplinarian with the tenderness of a “Teddy Bear.”
Maxie was preceded in death by his first wife, Gwendolyn Wesley Hudson; his second-wife Mary Fairbrother Hudson; his father, Nobie Hudson; his brother Joseph Hudson; his stepbrother Nobie Hudson; and his grandson Will Faulk. He is survived by his four children; Melanie Goodwin (Eddie), Paige Faulk (William) Wesley Hudson (Kate) and Scott Hudson (Ashley); and two stepdaughters; Karen Miller (Robert) and Suzy Stecker (Jim); and his stepsister Jean Thrasher (Wallace). He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation for the many people who offered support and love over the years, and especially the individuals who provided his home-health care for the past few years. Their devoted commitment and gentle care allowed Maxie to remain at home until the end, a gift the family will always hold with deep gratitude.
Maxie will be remembered for his loving attitude, friendly demeanor, and unwavering devotion to his family—beloved and loyal, resilient through life’s changes, and generous in the ways that mattered most. In the family’s words, that is why he was called Papa Bear, and why his absence will be felt so deeply. Still, his steady counsel remains: “You can’t drive a car looking through the rearview mirror, so keep moving forward.”
Visitation will be held at Moss Service Funeral Home, 1901 2nd Ave NW, Cullman, AL 35055, on July 18, 2026, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will follow beginning at 2:00pm.
