Herbert Lynn Hudson, 80, of Carthage, TX, was born on August 17, 1939, in Shreveport, Louisiana and passed away on October 29, 2019, in Carthage, Texas.  He was the only child of the late Eurby Arreleas Hudson and the late Ada Bell Barton Hudson.  He graduated from Elysian Fields High School with the class of 1958. He married the love of his life, Ada Lee Woods, on June 27, 1959, at Southside Baptist Church, in Carthage. They were able to celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary together last year. Mr Hudson was very active in the community and was a local business owner starting his own insurance agency in 1967. He was known as a leader in the industry and was always quick to pass on helpful strategies to other agents. Mr. Hudson was an active member of Southside Baptist Church where he served in many capacities over his lifetime, including Sunday School Teacher and Deacon. He was also a member of the Carthage Camp of the Gideons International for many years and served them well with his leadership and commitment, often speaking to other churches and organizations.

Herb was a member of the Carthage Masonic Lodge #521 and Sharon Temple Shrine in Tyler, TX since 1972.  He was very proud to earn the honor of wearing the Shrine Ring. Other accomplishments included, helping to bring Dixie League Baseball to Panola County. He was proud to get to coach and encourage youth baseball in Panola County for over 30 years. In the summer of 1983, Mr Hudson became "coach and motivator" for a group of Carthage High School Bulldog football players who looked to him for leadership in working out to become better athletes. For this and other efforts, he was awarded the" 12th Man Award" by the CHS Booster Club.  Together, these young men and "Mr Herb" built strong and lasting relationships and a love of football.  He was happy to follow the football careers of many of these athletes and was so proud of each of them.

He was an avid outdoorsman and spent many fall seasons in the deer stand with his son, grandsons and friends passing on his love of the outdoors and establishing a family tradition that is still loved and cherished. He and his late wife were also never far from the athletic field or dance recital to encourage and enjoy their grandchildren. He and Ada Lee also shared a love of flowers and making their yard a work of art. He particularly loved roses and was well known for growing many unique varieties in his yard.

Herb Hudson was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Ada Lee Woods Hudson.

Survivors include his son, Randy Hudson and his wife, Sheila, of Heath; daughter, Melanie Hudson, of Carthage; 5 grandchildren, Jace, Ross, Haylea, Bryce and Hunter; 2 honorary grandsons, Joel Murray and Aldrey Rincones.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. David Holder and Dr. Kirby Hill officiating. Interment will follow with Masonic rites at Odd Fellows Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home prior to the funeral service.

Pallbearers are Jace Hudson, Ross Hudson, Bryce Hudson, Hunter Hudson, Jason Ballenger, Brad Escoe, Mitch Norton, and Dean Russell.

Honorary pallbearers are Haylea Hudson, Joel Murray, Aldrey Rincones, Stan Davis, Jerry Dorman, Dennis LaGrone, Ronnie LaGrone, Jess Powers, and Dennis Smith.

The family would like to extend a special THANK YOU to all the nurses who cared for Herbert during his illness and to the community for your support during this time.

Memorials may be made to the Gideons International, c/o Carthage Camp, PO Box 393, Carthage, TX 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.