Richard Hudgens

Richard Lee Hudgens will be laid to peaceful rest on Friday, February 17th. Rick, or Gdaddy, as everyone knew him, spent his life loving his girls; his wife, Peggy, daughters, Lisa and Lori, and the light of his life, his granddaughter, Grace. Rick was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on April 28th, 1944 to Gene and Jane Hudgens. Rick spent his boyhood years in Jacksonville, Florida and attended Terry Parker High School, until his family moved to Jackson, Mississippi. A graduate of Provine High School in Jackson, Rick remained deeply connected to his Rams classmates and recently celebrated with them at their 60th class reunion in September. Rick attended the University of Southern Mississippi and later graduated from Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and an additional degree in General Business. His education at USM began a lifetime of devotion to and proud support of his Golden Eagles. Highway 49 was well traveled by Rick as he attended countless football, baseball and basketball games to cheer for Southern Miss. (To The Top!) Rick started his career with Allstate Insurance, planting roots in the insurance community and making many valued lifelong friends. Later, Rick worked at Standard Life as Regional Sales Manager, before he moved to enjoy wonderful years at Cherokee National. He then founded and became the successful owner of his own firm, RLH Financial.

Rick was the devoted husband of Peggy Redd Hudgens for 42 joyful years. Peggy’s mother Dene was famously impressed by young Rick Hudgens, with the twinkle in his eyes, and handpicked him to be her daughter’s future husband. Rick and Peggy were married at Alta Woods Baptist Church on June 11, 1966. They celebrated their first anniversary at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where Rick was assigned for Advanced Individual Training as a chemical specialist for the National Guard. Rick and Peggy were partners in love and life, profoundly grateful for the things that mattered; their beautiful marriage, the gift of children, and gatherings of family and friends to celebrate all occasions great and small.

Rick Hudgens was the essence of a family man. His dedication to the ladies in his life knew no bounds. Rick found the deepest happiness watching his girls grow up, and loved accompanying them, with gaggles of friends, on beach trips and concerts. He may or may not have been an actual fan, but he gamely took Lori and Lisa to hear Rick Springfield, AC/DC, and Van Halen to name a few. Rick knew spending time with his children was the single greatest gift, to himself, and to his girls. He cherished his wife, Peggy, adored his daughters, and treasured his granddaughter, Grace beyond measure. Rick was an anchor and a rock, a smile and a hug, a man of honor and strength. He simply gave himself, whenever he was needed, always. That was Gdaddy.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Jane Hudgens, his beloved wife Peggy Redd Hudgens, and his dear companion Ann LaPlant. He is survived by his daughters Lisa Hudgens (Robert), Lori Hudgens McIntire, his granddaughter Margaret Grace McIntire, his brothers Jim Hudgens (Linda) and Gary Hudgens, his sister Janet Bass (Bob), and many special cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the loving and kind caregivers at PAX Hospice and Visiting Angels sitters.

Visitation for Rick will take place on Thursday, February 16th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, Mississippi. His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., following an hour of visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 17th, at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Jackson. Internment at the columbarium will follow the service. In lieu of flowers,Rick’s life may be honored by donations to the Southern Miss Eagle Club, at www.southernmiss.com.