Preston R. Hudson, Sr.

Preston Roscoe Hudson, Sr. was born in Snow Hill, MD on November 18, 1940, to the late James and Louise (Collins) Hudson. He later moved to Wilmington, DE during his early years.

Preston departed this earthly life peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2024, from labor to eternal rest. He was affectionately called “Hard Rock” and “Little Head” by his family and “Champ” by his hunting buddies. He received his formal education at Worcester High School in Newark, MD. He was an avid fisherman and recognized with an award by the State of Delaware Sportfishing Tournament Association as the “Outstanding Catch on Rod and Reel” Winner. Additionally, he was an avid hunter/marksman and always looked forward to deer, rabbit, squirrel and turkey hunting seasons annually. He enjoyed his beloved beagles and they were treated like they were his children inclusive of each being named specifically by him based upon their personalities. Some of the special names of the beagles are Shadie, Sport, and Queen. His love for hunting and fishing was ignited at the age of seven by three gentlemen that he looked up to as father figures - his Brother-in-Law, John Willie Parker, James Drumgo, known as “Boot”, and Mr. Johnnie. 

He had a love for listening to the of the Word of God by one of his favorite Preachers: Rev. Clay Evans along with a love of gospel music from his favorite groups and their songs. To name a few: The Mighty Clouds of Joy – “Jesus Will Fix It”, “God Can”; the Williams Brothers – “I’m Just a Nobody”, ”Still Here”; Canton Spirituals, - “Lord, Hold My Hand”, “Heavenly Choir”; the Jackson Southenaires - “Walk Around Heaven”, “I Need You to Hold My Hand”; Rev. F. C. Barnes – “Rough Side of the Mountain”; Luther Barnes – “I’m Still Holding On”, “Oh How I Love Jesus”; and Delaware’s local gospel group, Jay Caldwell and the Ambassadors – “A Change is Going to Come” and “What a Friend”.

Preston was a big teaser with people, loved cracking jokes, discussing politics and the current political climate along with giving his opinion whether you agreed or disagreed with him. He loved all types of food and always looked forward to the meals that were cooked at home by his wife, Doris, including an annual wild game dinner for him and his hunting buddies after their catch of the season. His most favorite meal was homemade chicken and dumplings which he loved to share with his hunting group.

Preston started his career at the 7-Up Soda Company and transitioned to working at the Concord Beverage Company, Concordville, PA, and retired after 40 years. He attended and was baptized at Tabernacle Baptist Church and a former member of Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church both located in Wilmington, Delaware. He is a retired Veteran from the Army of the Armed Forces of the United States of America - stationed in Alaska where he received Honorable Discharge. 

He leaves to cherish his wife of 63 years, Doris and seven children – Teldric Graham, Varetta (Steven) Manlove, Preston Hudson, Jr., Brian (Tracey) Hudson, Doris Scott (David Rykard) and Tyrone (Taquina) Hudson, Wilmington, DE; Alberta (Anthony) Lloyd, Gravette, Arkansas; one brother, Lester Hudson, Sr., Baltimore, MD, 18 Grandchildren, 25 Great-Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Grandchild, 6 Brother-in-Laws – Vernon Graham, Lee Vaughan (Betty) Graham, Louis Ezelle Graham, Deldrid (Darlene) Graham, Eldridge Graham, John Willie (Eunice) Parker, Lynette Graham, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Randolph, William, Elwood, Nathaniel and two sisters, Mildred Drumgo and Shirley Parker.