of Memphis, TN
February 27, 1919 - March 17, 2017
Louis Davis Hudgings, passed Friday, March 17, 2017 at Methodist Hospital Germantown after a short illness. Born February 27, 1919, to a sharecropper in Madison County Tennessee, Louis was one of 5 children. He graduated from Pope High School in Madison County in 1938 and like many young men of his generation, moved from the farm to the city in search of a better life. In Memphis, TN. He first worked as a carpenter framing houses and then at Memphis Machine Works. He joined the Army Aircorp in 1942 during WWII, serving most of his time in the Azore Islands, responsible for inspection, maintenance and adjustments of aircraft and aircraft equipment for troop transport. After leaving the Army in 1945 Louis returned to Memphis and began working for Memphis Light Gas and Water as a machinist where he retired after more than 30 years.
Louis, or Louie as his lodge buddies knew him, was received in degrees in 1946 and was an active Mason for over 70 years. He was the Past Master of Stonewall Lodge #723 in 1984, Past Master of Daylight Lodge #759 in 1999, current member of Oakville Lodge #599, and Bartlett Lodge #211, where he served as Chaplain.
Louis belonged to numerous bodies of Freemasonry including being; 33rd Degree Inspector General, Honorary of Scottish Rite Bodies; Red Cross of Constatine; Al Chymia Shrine; Past Grand Commander for Grand Commandry of Knights Templar of Tennessee Chapter #225, Council #131; West Tennessee York Rite College; Allied Masonic Degree - Knight Masons; and Legion of Honor.
Mr. Hudgings was a previous member of Hollywood Baptist Church, Scenic Hills Baptist Church and a current active member of Bartlett Hills Baptist Church.
Mr. Hudgings is preceded in death by his parents, Louis H. Hudgings and Claudia Helen Davis. He was divorced once from Clara Thomason and widowed twice, by Sarah Edith, and George Lucille. He is also preceded in death by 2 brothers, 2 stepsons, 1 granddaughter and 1 great-great grandson.
Louis leaves behind 2 sisters, Christine Patterson of Sevierville, TN, and Lila Conor of Chickasha, OK; 1 daughter, Janice Robinson (Fred) of Caruthersville, MO, 1 step son, Lynn Alford (Susie) of Memphis, TN and 1 step daughter, Margaret Zuendel (Jackie) also of Memphis; 8 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchild.
Visitation to be at Roller Family Funeral Home, 3651 Austin Peay Hwy, from 5-7 PM Thursday, March 23, and services Friday, 24 March at 10 am. The service will conclude with burial at Memphis Memory Garden, Raleigh Lagrange Road.
The family asks in lieu of flowers, a memorial in Louis' honor be made to Bartlett Hills Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.