Robert Eugene Hudgins

MGySgt (Ret) Robert Eugene "Gene" Hudgins, 83, of Cromer Road, Elberton, husband of 38 years to Teresa Ridgeway Hudgins, passed away on Monday, July 26, 2021, at his residence.

Gene was born in Anderson, SC on June 27, 1938, son of the late Robert Delapierre Hudgins and Edna Mae Hopkins Hudgins. He was a 1959 graduate of Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach, FL where he served as quarterback of the football team and also played on the basketball team. Gene joined the US Marines in 1959 and served actively until 1984. He was part of Rapid Deployment Joint Task at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL. Following his military retirement, he worked as a truck driver in the granite industry for several years. Lovingly referred to as "Uncle Buck" by his nieces, Gene enjoyed telling jokes and entertaining people.

Survivors, in addition to his wife Teresa, include his son, Stephen Blake (Anna) Hudgins, who followed his Dad’s footsteps and is currently stationed at Marine Forces Reserves Headquarters in New Orleans, LA; grandchildren: Christian Blake Hudgins and Jocelyn Ann Chavez; siblings: Frederick (Linda) Hudgins, Stephen (Lorraine) Hudgins, and Glenda (Jay) Anthony; siblings-in-law: Darrell (Patti) Ridgway, Tom (Alice) Ridgeway, Janice (Gary) Tomlin, Karen (Richard) Greenway, Patti (Wendall) Berryman, Valerie (Ed) Brooks, and Steve Ridgeway; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings: Carolyn Cobb and Helen Woolard. 


A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 28, from 5:00-7:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. Military honors will be rendered during a graveside service on Thursday, July 29, at 11:00a.m. at Forest Hills Memorial Park. At other hours the family will be at the residence.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for MGySgt (Ret) Robert Eugene "Gene" Hudgins.