Fred R. "Bud" Hudson

Fred R. "Bud" Hudson, 83, of El Dorado, died Monday, October 11, 2010, at the Medical Center of South Arkansas following a brief illness. "Mr. Fred" as many knew him, was born August 4, 1927, in Lawson, Arkansas, the son of John Milton and Lena Frisby Hudson. He spent his career calling on general merchandise and country stores across North Louisiana and South Arkansas. Beginning early for Ritchie Grocer Company as a clerk, then a dry goods salesman and finally operator of Huttig Supermarket, he spent a total of 28 years with Ritchie. He worked in the same line for Pendleton Wholesale until they closed, when he went into business for himself, as owner/operator of Dixie Sales Co., calling on the many customers he had established over the years. In the last part of his career, he spent a lot of time calling on local customers and at his place of business on N. Gray St. in part of the Dumas Candy Co. building where he had a small wholesale/retail operation. He was a friend to all who knew him. He was a charter member of East Main Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troup 110. He was a 50 year member of the Champagnolle Masonic Lodge, serving as a Worshipful Master during his tenure. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Corporal during the time of the Korean Conflict. Preceding him in death along with his parents were his brothers; Russell, Earl, Alfred, and Perry Hudson, as well as a sister, Sue Hollis. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Faye Nelson Hudson of El Dorado, a son, Gary Hudson (Nancy) of DeWitt, and a sister, Mary Lou Walker of Calion. Also surviving are two grandsons, James Robert Hudson of El Dorado and John Daniel Hudson of Tampa, Florida. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday at East Main Baptist Church with Dr. Benjy McCann officiating. Interment will follow in Arlington Memorial Park under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bailey Funeral Home, 400 N College Ave., El Dorado, Ark. Memorials may be made to East Main Baptist Church, 1903 E. Main St., El Dorado, Ark. 71730 or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 1653, Topeka, Kan. 66601-1653. Please sign the registry online at www.baileymortuary.net.