Gary Hudson, 82, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Paducah. He was born on April 24, 1944, in Cairo, Illinois, to the late Edwin and Helen Cole Hudson. Gary was Catholic and a member of the Rosary Chapel Catholic Church. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #181 as a heavy equipment operator. Gary enjoyed camping and driving his motor home across country, staying at different campgrounds with his wife. He liked hunting and was an avid NASCAR fan. Gary’s greatest love was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Paducah for the excellent care that they gave to Gary during his illness.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Paula Lane Hudson; daughters, Kelly Bowman of Arlington, Kentucky, and Bridget (Brad) Robertson of Paducah, Kentucky; sons, Richard Hudson of Arlington, Kentucky, and Jeff (Tiffany) Griffith of Paducah, Kentucky; sister, Gayle Young of Clinton, Kentucky; Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Lane Barker of Paducah, Kentucky, Connie Hudson of West Paducah, Kentucky and Lisa Lane Summers of Laverne, Tennessee.
Gary was preceded in death by his infant son, Austin Neal Hudson; brother, Steve Hudson; and his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah, with Father Jude Okeoma and Rev. David Dixon officiating. Burial will follow at Columbus Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Rosary Chapel Catholic Church, 711 Ohio Street, Paducah, KY 42003.
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