Ralph Edward Hudson

Ralph Edward Hudson, Jr., 80, of Kingsport, TN died on Monday, January 16, 2012, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. He was born on February 4, 1931, in Pawtucket, RI, and grew up in Attleboro, MA.

Ralph received his BS in Textile Engineering from Lowell Textile Institute in Lowell, MA. He retired as Vice President from Eastman Chemical Products, Inc. in 1987 after over 34 years of service. Ralph was previously a member and Local Chapter Chairman of the American Association for Textile Technology; on the Organizing Committee for the Boy Scouts of America local council Explorer Scout Program; President of the Kingsport Table Tennis Association; advisor for Kingsport Junior Achievement; on the Board of Directors of Man Made Fibers Association; Chairman of the Board of Directors for Ridgefields Country Club; Parish Council Chairman of Saint Dominic's Church; on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Junior Golf Association; on the Board of Directors and former Chairman of the Board, Kingsport chapter of the American Red Cross; and was Co-Chairman of Preston Place II Golf Tournament benefitting Alzheimer's care and research. He was also a volunteer with Meals On Wheels and the American Red Cross; a member of St. Dominic's Catholic Church; on the Board of Directors and Emeritus Member of Tennessee Golf Association; and President Emeritus of the Upper East Tennessee Senior Golf League.

His parents, Ralph E. Hudson, Sr. and Alice D. Greene Hudson, of Attleboro, MA. preceded him in death.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Marion M. Cruff Hudson; children, Joy H. Rhoton of Kingsport, TN; Linda H. Cancro and husband, Peter of Wall Township, NJ; James S. Hudson and wife, Sherry of Johnson City, TN; Richard P. Hudson and wife, Kathy Aspy Hudson of Brentwood, TN; Patricia H. Nottingham and husband, John of Kingsport, TN and Robert M. Hudson and wife, Leslie of Hendersonville, TN; and 16 grandchildren: Tyler Rhoton; Paul, Rob, Caroline, and Christie Cancro; Jennifer, Andy, and Sam Curde; Russell, Bradi, and Scotty Hudson; Elizabeth, Andrew, and William Nottingham; and Joshua and Erica Hudson.

The family will receive friends Friday January 20, 2012 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. in St. Dominic Catholic Church with Reverend Michael F. Nolan officiating.

Entombment will follow in Oak Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Pallbearers will be the Senior Golf League Committee: Frank Abernathy, Dick Blair, Vic Blevins, Harry Carrell, Rick Culbertson, Ted Fix, Hal McHorris, Virgil Stephens, Steve White, and Lewis Willingham. Honorary Pall Bearers will be: David Gardner, George Gosselin, and Lynn Shoemaker.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Preston Place II Activities Fund to promote Alzheimers Awareness in honor of Ralph Hudson, 2303 North John B. Dennis Highway, Kingsport, TN 37660; or Gift of Love for David Gardner, 1357 Watauga Street, Kingsport, TN, 37660; or St. Dominic's Catholic Church, 2517 N. John B. Dennis Hwy., Kingsport TN 37660.