Robert Comer Hudson

Sr. Chief Petty Officer Robert Comer Hudson, age 69, of Ocean Springs, MS, died August 2, 2008 at his home in Ocean Springs, after a two year battle with lung cancer. Robert was a devoted husband and father who will be sadly missed by family and friends. Robert was born on November 20, 1938 in Pensacola, Florida and lived there until he graduated from James M. Tate High School in 1956. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Navy. His service included tours on the following ships: USS Antietam CVS-36, USS Vulcan AR-5, USS Proteuis AS-19, USS Gainard DD 706, USS Yellowstone AD-27, USS Dixon, AS-37. His final naval tour was aboard the USS Lexington CVT 16. Also during his naval service, Robert was stationed at US Navy RTC, Columbus, Georgia, and was an instructor at U.S. Naval Training Center at San Diego, California. Robert was awarded the Naval Commendation Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, the National Defense Medal, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal four times. Robert retired from the US Navy after twenty years of service in February, 1975 as Senior Chief Petty Officer. In 1977, Robert moved his family to the Mississippi Gulf Coast , where they settled in Ocean Springs. He then pursued and received his Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. It was at that time, Robert began his career as an instructor in Vocational Education at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus. There, Robert was selected as the Teacher of the Year in 1984. In addition to his career accomplishments, Robert was active in many community organizations. He was a Master Mason of Grand Lodge of Miss., F & A.M of McLeod #0424 In Ocean Springs. Robert was also a member of the Fleur de Lis Auxiliary in Biloxi, MS; the Moose Lodge, D'Iberville #332 Legion #67; and the Elks Lodge #2501 in Ocean Springs. Robert and his wife enjoyed traveling to the United Kingdom with their family, making many trips with their children and grandchildren. Robert also enjoyed playing golf with his friends, sons, and grandson. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Hilton C. Hudson and Mae Bell Hudson Heise. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Moira Morrison Hudson, whom he met and married while in the Navy in Greenock, Scotland. He is also survived by two brothers, Tommy L. Hudson of Jackson, MS, and Kenneth J. Hudson of Pensacola, FL; and four children, Robert C. Hudson, II of Camas, WA, Kenneth T. Hudson of Biloxi, Allison N. Hudson of Ocean Springs, and John A. Hudson of Ocean Springs. Three grandchildren were his pride and joy and they will fondly remember him as their "PawPaw": Malissa Jane Hudson of Seattle, WA; Brent T. Hudson and Amanda L. Hudson, both of Biloxi. Memorial services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford- O' Keefe Funeral Home with interment following in Biloxi National Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.