Obituary of David Hudson, Jr.

David Hudson, Jr. was born to David and Mary (Muldrow) Hudson, on September 11, 1925, in Philadelphia, Pa. He was raised in South Philadelphia and attended Philadelphia public schools. David met the “love of his life” Rita Harrison while attending Barrett Junior High School. They “courted", fell in love and were joined in matrimony on August 21, 1945. Their union was blessed with three daughters Carole, Davida and Diane. David’s daughter Rosalie was united with the family. In 1980, David accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, was baptized and attended Sunday School at the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church in Philadelphia, under the pastorates of the late Reverend Charles Walker and Reverend Wilbur D. Wilbourne. He was always seated with Rita and his loving mother, the late Mary Hudson Henderson. David started working at an early age. His career began at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. He retired from Atlantic Richfield Oil Company in 1988 after 45 years. David had a very strong work ethic and instilled that same ethic in his daughters. While at Atlantic Richfield, David pursued additional training in mathematics and took pride in sharing his knowledge with his daughter and namesake, Davida. In addition, David was a talented carpenter and all-around craftsman. He remodeled many homes for his family, friends and community. David was loyal and committed to his family and his block. He valued family and stability, as evidenced by his 76-year marriage to Rita until her transition on May 17, 2022. David and his siblings were raised by their mother, as their father passed when they were young. David, his mother, brothers Robert, Herbert, Samuel, along with their sister Rosalie all lived within a 2 to 3 block radius of one another. David and his wife were wonderful caregivers to his mother Mary for 11 years. Additionally, he attended to the needs of other family members. As the longest living of his siblings, David became a father figure, confidante and lifesaver to his nieces, nephews and extended family. David was well known in South Philadelphia where he was often referred to as “Buster,” and more recently, “Hut.” He, however, referred to himself as "Dapper Dan," as he loved to dress well. He enjoyed boxing, baseball and watching and analyzing various sports. His musical preferences included hymns, jazz and R&B. In March 2018, David and his wife relocated to New Jersey to live with his daughter and son-in-law (Carole & James). They lovingly cared for him with assistance from his granddaughter, Lisa. David joined St. Matthew’s Baptist Church under the pastorate of his son-in-law, Dr. Raymond M. Gordon, Sr. David took the scripture literally “enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.” Upon his arrival at church, he danced from the back of the long aisle until he found his seat on the second row. Even as his health declined, David continued to surprise everyone. On Rita’s 95th birthday, January 25, 2022, David sang a solo of Happy Birthday to his wife. He would regale the family with songs and his dance moves. During David's later years, his motto was, "One day at time." He was preceded in death by his wife, siblings and daughter Rosalie. He leaves to cherish his memory 3 daughters Carole Smack (James), Davida Bolger (Charles) and Diane Gordon (Raymond), 8 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.