William Hudson, Jr.
Memphis - William Hudson, Jr., 79 was born on October 1, 1939 in Memphis TN. He passed away on Friday, August, 23 , 2019. Will Hudson was the President and General Manager of MATA from 1993 to 2013. He began his transit profession as a bus operator in 1964. For nearly 50 years, he held a number of management positions ultimately rising to the top. Through his leadership, MATA achieved numerous milestones including Central Station, the Trolley line, and the Airways Transit Center to name a few.
A proud Booker T. Washington Warrior, Hudson was happily married to his wife Gracie for 60 years. A loyal member of the Monumental Baptist Church, Hudson was Chairman of the Trustee Board for over 30 years. Hudson also worked as a Reserve Officer for the Memphis Police Department for over 25 years. Hudson is preceded in death by his parents, William and Christine Hudson, brothers John Hudson and Archie Hudson and one sister, Carolyn Catron. He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Gracie Hudson, his son, Rodney B. Hudson (Tijuana), two grandsons, William Hudson, III and Christopher Hudson, one great-granddaughter Ryleigh Grace, four sisters Jacqueline Jackson, Gwendolyn (Alonzo) Williams, Willie Jean (William) Green, Marilyn (Robert) Scott, and two brothers Charlie Edward Hudson and Rev. Dr. Melvin Charles Smith. He leaves a host of nieces, nephews and extended family who deeply mourn his passing.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, August 30, 2019 from 5-8 p.m. at Serenity Funeral Home, 1638 Sycamore View Road. Funeral Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Monumental Baptist Church, 704 S. Pkwy. E., Memphis, TN 38106. The family welcomes flowers and encourages donations to the Mid-South Food Bank, 3865 S. Perkins, Memphis, TN 38118. Please indicate in Memory of William Hudson, Jr./Hope for Hunger campaign. Or visit midsouthfoodbank.org.
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901) 379-0961.
Published in The Commercial Appeal from Aug. 24 to Aug. 29, 2019
Mr, William Hudson Jr. was born October 1, 1939 in Memphis, TN to Mrs. Christine and Mr. William Hudson Sr. He was the second son of 10 children, He confessed his faith in Christ at the age of 12 and was baptized at Greater White Stone Missionary Baptist Church. In 1959, he joined Monumental Baptist Church.
Hudson was a proud Booker T. Washington, Warrior, and graduate of Class of 1957. In 1959 William was waiting to get a Haircut when Gracie Gray caught his eye, as she styled hair at her Beauty Salon booth. One haircut changed their lives forever. They married on July 19, 1959 in Memphis, TN. From their union a son Rodney Hudson was born.
Hudson began his transit profession as a bus operator at MATA, in April, 1964. For more than 50 years, he continually rose to the top holding numerous senior level positions including Director of Transit Operations. Customer Service & Marketing, Labor Relations and Field operations. In 1993 Hudson became the first African American President/General Manager of MATA. He was the top transit official in Memphis for 20 years and beloved by his colleagues, attaining several nicknames like Bossman, Bigfoot AKA Foot and don't forget those Hudson Holidays.
Through Hudson's Leadership came Memphis staples like the Trolley, Airways Transit Center, and Central Station
(Including The Train & Trolley Museum, Amtrack, Memphis Farmer's Market, and Beautiful Downtown Apartments Cata-Lyzing Live, Work, Play Development In Downtown Memphis).
Id that was not enough to keep Hudson busy he simultaneously worked as a Reserve Memphis Police Officer for over 25 years. He was a loyal member of Monumental Baptist Church for 60 years. While there he held the position of Chairman of the Trustee Board and President of the October Club. He was honored to serve under both Pastors, Samuel Kyles and Wade Bryant.
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| Reverend Melvin Charles Smith |
As children William and his Brother Melvin were put off the bus for sitting too close to the front. It became Hudson's life-long fight to to remove racial barriers and open doors for future generations.
He did just that, winning countless awards and recognition for his Leadership and Service to the Greater Memphis Community, including Downtowner of the Decade (2001). Executive of the Year (Africa In April), And Tennessee Public Transportation Hall of Fame (2009) to name a few. For years his transit safety program was considered a National Model.
William Hudson also served as the Chairman of both The mid-South Minority Business Council(MMBC) and Tennessede Public Transportation Association (TPTA). He was 1999 Leadership Memphis Graduate and served ona host of local boards, including Memphis Food Bank, Riverfront Development Corporation, and The American Public Transportation Association.
Mr. Hudson was a dedicated family man who enjoyed spending time with his two grandsons and applauding all of their achievements. He loved sports and looked forward to the Southern Heritage Classic each year.
In his free time he enjoyed walking his dog BABY. or going to a Memphis Tigers Game.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, Two Brothers, Archie (Karen) Hudson and John (Monique) Hudson and one sister, Carolyn (Willie, deceased) Catron. He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 60 years, Gracie Hudson, SonRodney Hudson (Tijuana), two Grandsons, William Hudson, III and Christopher Charles Hudson, One Great Granddaughter
Ryleigh Grace Hudson
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| William Hudson' Sisters and Brother Charlie Edward Hudson |
Four Sisters, Jacqueline Jackson, Gwendolyn (Alonzo) Williams, Willie Jean (William) Green, Marilyn (Robert) Scott and two Brothers, Charlie Edward Hudson and Melvin (Billie deceases) Charles Smith. Mr. Hudson enjoyed the company, Love, and Support of a host of neices, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In the words of Mr. Hudson,
"Thats My Story And I'm Sticking To It."
