Calvin C. Hudson

Calvin Cobbs Hudson of Rocky Mount passed away quietly at his home on April 24, 2016. He was born to Albert and Audrey Hudson on August 24, 1926. Mr. Hudson was a veteran of World War II, serving in Greenland with the Army Air Force. He epitomized the qualities of the Greatest Generation: honor, service, devotion and selflessness. Following his discharge from the military, Mr. Hudson married Violet Francis Harrison in 1949. They remained married until her passing in 2003. Mr. Hudson worked briefly as a mechanic for Hub Motors and Richardson Pontiac before joining his father, brother and sister in operating the Exchange Milling Company in Rocky Mount. The Exchange Milling Company became a fixture in Rocky Mount where it operated continuously for 75 years. Mr. Hudson also designed and built houses, including his own for which he drew detailed plans on the back of envelopes and oversaw construction from memory. He enjoyed spending time on his farm located south of Rocky Mount where for a time he also raised Black Angus cattle. Following his wife’s passing, Mr. Hudson was introduced to the joy of dancing by his special friend, Nellie Wright. Mr. Hudson was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 54 years, and his brother Carlton “Lee” Hudson. He is survived by his sister, Hazel Lovell of Rocky Mount; a son, Tracy, and his wife, Alissa, of Manassas, Virginia; a granddaughter, Carly, of New York, New York; a grandson, Parker, of Manassas; six nieces and six nephews. The family will receive friends at Flora Funeral Home in Rocky Mount on Tuesday, April 26 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park in Martinsville on Wednesday, April 27 at 12 noon. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 824 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112.