Joseph York Hudgins

Joseph York Hudgins left his earthly home on Wednesday, December 11, 2013. A memorial service will be held Friday, December 13 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Ingleside Baptist Church (834 Wimbish Road, Macon, GA 31210) with Dr. Tim McCoy officiating. The family will greet friends in the Fellowship Hall following the service. Private interment will be at Macon Memorial Park (3969 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA 31204). The Hudgins family is humbly grateful to those who have provided prayerful support during recent days. While the death of this man they call York, Dad, and Granddad leaves deep sadness, they grieve with hope, knowing that his mortal life has been swallowed up by everlasting life, and that he now occupies his eternal home in heaven, one not built by human hands. (2 Corinthians 5:1-4) Born in Dawson, Georgia, on December 28, 1933, Mr. Hudgins was the youngest of the six children of the late Charlie Littleton Hudgins and Effie Pearl Cannon Hudgins. Mr. Hudgins married his high school sweetheart, the former Marilyn Miller, over 57 years ago. Their union produced three children who, along with Mrs. Hudgins, all reside in Macon: Greg (Betty) Hudgins, Mark (Candy) Hudgins, and Leigh (Chris) Durham. Eleven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of family members and friends are left to treasure his memory. Mr. Hudgins graduated from Terrell County High School in Dawson and Mercer University in Macon. He completed post-graduate work at the University of Georgia and the George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. Mr. Hudgins spent 38 years as a professional educator, primarily administering programs for children with disabilities. After serving as principal of the Georgia Academy for the Blind, he served as the first director of the Georgia Center for the Multihandicapped and later as Director of Special Education for the Dekalb County School System. After his retirement, Mr. Hudgins returned to Macon where he spent ten years as a classroom teacher at the Georgia Academy for the Blind. He was a leader in various professional organizations, earning great respect and admiration during his career. As an ordained deacon and active member of Ingleside Baptist Church, Mr. Hudgins considered it his privilege to be involved in various areas of service, including the welcome and production teams. His heart for serving those in need was demonstrated through his faithful participation in multiple local and international mission endeavors. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Ingleside Baptist Church. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.