Rexford Samuel “Sam” Hudson, age 80, departed this life, surrounded by his six children, on
Monday, September 1, 2014, at his home in the St. Florian community. The foundations of
Sam’s life were faith, family and community.
Sam was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church for 48 years, where he served as Deacon,
Sunday School teacher, choir member, and bus ministry driver. He was instrumental in the
construction of the church and school buildings, sharing his carpentry skills. Sam especially
loved serving as a leader on the nursing home ministry team to Glenwood Nursing Home for 38 years.
A member of the Carpenters Local #109, Sam retired from Reynolds Metals Co. but soon had a
new job serving the Town of St. Florian as Mayor and Councilman. During his 18-year tenure,
the St. Florian Senior Center, walking trail, and children’s park were built. The existence of
Oktoberfest in St. Florian is due to Sam’s efforts.
Visitation will be Friday, September 5, 2014, from 6-9 p.m. at First Free Will Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at First Free Will Baptist
Church in Florence with Pastor Tommy Ruple and Brother Chris Compton officiating. Burial
will be at Tri Cities Memorial Gardens in Florence with Greenview Funeral Home directing.
He was born December 18, 1933 to Jolly and Eula Rickard Hudson, one of thirteen children. On
September 6, 1952, Sam married Barbara Jean King. He served as President of Underwood Dixie
Youth and Wilson High School Booster Club, while they raised their children.
Survivors are his children, Gary Hudson (Diane) of Huntsville, Steve Hudson, Cindy Austin
Mallernee (Denny), Patti Wiginton (Ronnie), Doug Hudson (Kerri), and Samantha Phillips (Jon)
all of Florence; grandchildren, Clint Hudson (Jacque) and Adam Hudson of Huntsville, Wesley
Austin (Kristy), Amanda Brewer (Jason), Jordan, Cody, and Lilly Wiginton, Malachi and Levi
Hudson, and Dalton and Zoie Phillips all of Florence; great-grandchildren, Parker and Paisley
Hudson of Huntsville, Danna, Willa Sue, Eli, and Micah Brewer all of Florence; brothers, Bill,
Jake (Ona Mae), Freddie (Tanis), Don Terry (Kay), Barry (Sherry), Rickey (Shelia) all of
Florence, and Larry ‘Skippy’ Hudson of Washington, D.C.; sister, Sherry Miller (Charles) of
Killen; close cousin Ray Hudson (Kathy) of Killen; favorite neighbors Arvel and Brenda Keeton;
and very special friend Ruby Hyde.
Sam was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Barbara King Hudson; brothers, Jimmie
Dale Hudson and Mickey Hudson; sisters, Hazel Lyons and Becky Emerson; and son-in-law
Terry Austin.
Pallbearers will be Clint Hudson, Wesley Austin, Jordan Wiginton, Adam Hudson, Cody
Wiginton, and Arvel Keeton.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to “the girls,” doctors, and all other staff at
Northwest Alabama Cancer Center of Florence for the loving care and kindness shown to Sam
and family during his illness.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Florian Senior Center, 4508 County Road
47, Florence, AL 35634, or John Croyle’s Big Oak Ranch for children, P.O. Box 507,
Springville, AL 35146, or First Free Will Baptist Church of Florence.
