There are some people who live so generously, love so deeply, and fight so bravely that their lives leave a permanent mark on the hearts of everyone they touch. Chris Hudgens was one of those rare souls. Chris passed away on October 19, 2025 at his home, leaving behind a world better because he was in it and hearts forever changed by his presence.

Christopher Robert Hudgens was born on August 1, 1968, in Columbus, Mississippi, to Charles and Cedell Hudgens. From the very beginning, Chris carried with him a strong sense of family, humility, and grit - values that were deeply rooted in the place he called home.

He grew up in a close-knit community where everyone knew your name and your story. Chris was the kind of person who never forgot where he came from and never let anyone else forget it either. He graduated from Millport High School, where he made lifelong friends and started to build the steady, hardworking life that would come to define him.

After high school, Chris went to work and he never stopped. A welder by trade, though his knowledge and capabilities knew no limits to one field of work. He spent his life earning every step forward with sweat, heart, and determination. There was no such thing as a shortcut with Chris. Whether it was on a job site, lending a hand to a neighbor, or helping someone down on their luck, he gave everything he had, every single day.

To know him was to love him, and even if you didn't, you were loved by him. Chris had the kind of heart you don't see often. If you were cold, he'd give you the coat off his back. If you had holes in your shoes, he'd take off his own boots - and he did, more than once. He gave without hesitation. Not just things, but time, love, forgiveness. He didn't give because he wanted praise. He gave because that's just who he was. He had a deep-down kind of kindness, the kind that didn't need to be talked about because it showed up in everything he did.

He was a man who worked hard, not for praise or recognition but because he believed in doing things right. Day in and day out, he gave his all. Calloused hands and tired feet were the quiet proof of his devotion. He showed up, again and again, for his family, his friends, and even for strangers. He didn't need to say much, his actions were loud enough.

Perhaps one of the most powerful parts of Chris's life was his journey of redemption. He faced addiction with courage, humility, and fierce determination. He didn't run from his past. He faced it, fought through it, and built something better on the other side. In doing so, he showed that no one is ever too far gone, and that real change is possible when grace and grit walk side by side. He became a quiet source of hope to others who were struggling, and his story lit a path forward for more than a few.

And then there was Big Dog, his loyal companion, his shadow, his best friend. Through the hard days and the good ones, Big Dog was right there by his side, offering silent comfort and unwavering loyalty. Anyone who saw them together knew they belonged to each other. Big Dog was more than just a pet; he was family. And he stayed close to Chris to the very end, just like he always had.

We believe God waited for the right moment to call him home. Not before the work was done, not before every ounce of love had been given. When that moment came, Chris left this world wrapped in peace, having lived a life of meaning, courage, and love.  Chris was preceded in death by his father, Charles Hudgens, and his maternal grandparents Cleveland and Eva Ray, his paternal grandparents, Charles and Sue Hudgens, and his in-laws, Corkey and Joy Watson.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Dana Watson Hudgens, his two sons, Jacob Robert Hudgens (Emily), and Lucas Watson Hudgens; mother Cedell Ray Hudgens; his brother Corey Ray Hudgens (Susie); brother-in-law Kent Watson (Stepany); sister-in-law Sherri Singh (Nav); aunt – Jean Rector, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, friends who became family, and by beloved companion Big Dog Hudgens, who now carries the spirit of his best friend in every step.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Lowndes Funeral Home in Columbus, Ms. Funeral service will be Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 11:00 am at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS, with Bro. Matt Moehring officiating. Interment will be at Cedar Bluff Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery in Cedar Bluff, MS. Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS, will be directing.

Honorary Pallbearers: Lee Ray, Mitch Rector, Derek Lowery, Mark York, Stanley Gallop, Tony Gallop, Brad Fortner, Mark Jordan, Jeff Edmondson, Jimmy Graham, Ray Handley, Shawn McAdams, Bro. BJ Mills, and the team of North Mississippi Walk to Emmaus #383.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the funeral home to cover final expenses.