Douglas Eugene Hudson

Douglas “Doug” Hudson, 58, of Grifton passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024 after a courageous battle against Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). 

Doug achieved a 40+ year career as an Electrician. He was proud to have earned his Journeyman’s card, and had goals to progress in the field of Construction Management. Unfortunately, he suffered a severe work-related injury and doctors insisted he would never do electrical work again. Though struggling with Dyslexia, Doug obtained his Associate Degree in Applied Science in Civil Engineering in 2008. He found a new love that embraced his yearning for outdoor work. Once he was diagnosed with ILD, he could not tolerate the environmental hazards inherent with Civil Engineering. His career came full circle and ended as an Electrician II with the NC Department of Adult Corrections at Maury. 

Doug enjoyed dancing with his wife, riding roller coasters with his daughter, vacations with friends & family, water-sports, wildlife, cooking out with friends, eating Prime Rib and Brisket, and the taste of Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum! He was a Nascar fan, Roll-Tide diehard, WWE enthusiast, and learned to "Ace a Basket" (or 2) in Disc Golf. He enjoyed a wide variety of music, electronics, documentaries, and stand-up comedians. Though cut-short, Doug embraced everything life had to offer. 

Doug was raised the son of Morris Hudson (deceased May 1988) and June Cook Hudson Branch, alongside his baby sister Allison. As a young adult, he lived in Florida where he was married and had two children; Samantha and Christopher Hudson. Though he became estranged from both, he never stopped loving them. His heart was healed a bit when he and Samantha recently reconciled. Doug never got to know his oldest girl, Kaylon, and only recently learned about his son, Kyle. 

After he relocated to NC, he chatted online with Tracey for 2 years. The day they physically met, they instantly “clicked” and were inseparable until the day he died. He added tons of fun and spontaneity to her life; she grounded him. They were wed on May 20th, 2006 and just a few months later, along came his most precious daughter–Alexa. She could get anything she wanted from her daddy. Never the disciplinarian, always her advocate. 

Doug’s charm and sense of humor has made an impression on many lives. Since 2008, Doug has been fortunate to develop a relationship with his birth mother, Audrey Brown Lowrance, his younger brothers Tom and Chris, and their families.   

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Sharon Church, 4106 Sharon Church Road, Kinston, NC. The family will receive friends from 3:00-3:55p.m. at the church. 

Doug shared this belief with Pastor Trevor Blair:  No matter what challenges you have, God will see you through. It may not be the end you wanted, but God will see you through it.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the following:

• Smiles & Frowns Playhouse, PO Box 429, Ayden, NC 28513 

• Kids on Stage, ℅ D. Hudson Memorial, 3772 Hwy 903 S, Snow Hill, NC 28580

Howard-Carter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

On-line condolences may be sent to howardandcarter.com