Kenneth Gregory Hudgins, Sr.

Kenneth Gregory Hudgins, Sr., 62, of Checotah, OK, formerly of Edneyville, passed away Saturday, August 4, 2012 in Checotah.

Born in Hendersonville, he was the son of the late Fred L. and Phyllis E. Hudgins of Edneyville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his aunt Vinia Hudgins.

He was a graduate of Edneyville High School and Craven Community College. He served 5 years in the United States Navy as a medic, and later became a registered nurse and worked at various hospitals across North Carolina, retiring from Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville in 2005. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed raising cattle, hunting, and fishing; his other hobbies included traveling, movies, and photography.

He is survived by his daughter, Wendy Smith; his son, Kenneth Gregory Hudgins II and daughter-in-law, Leah Chang; his grandchildren, Winter Hudgins and Logan Smith; and his brother Vincent Hudgins. He is also survived by his first wife, Judy L. Durham; his second wife, Katharine Parrish; and many loving family, friends, and pets.

A funeral service in celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 16, 2012, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Edneyville with The Rev. Harriet G. Shands officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul's Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall afterwards.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at Thos. Shepherd & Son in Hendersonville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Checotah Animal Shelter, c/o Kate Paris, P.O. Box 1083, Checotah, OK 74426 (www.checotahshelter.com).

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.