Douglas Hudson Obituary

The days of being "piped" to the front of Hudson's Supermarket by the captain have ended. The long-time owner of the supermarket, Doug Hudson, 91, of Manitou Springs, Colo., died Friday, June 19 (2015) at Colorado Springs, Colo.

That tradition continues at Hudson's along with his habit of handing out red, plastic coin purses with a current Arkansas Razorbacks football schedule printed on the back and a quarter inside.

Funeral was at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at First Baptist Church in Harrison, Ark., with Rev. Grover Cassada from the Verity Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., officiating and eulogy by Rev. Robert Shaddox and benediction by Rev. Bob Wright. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, under the direction of Holt Memorial Chapel. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

Pallbearers were John King, Jim Yates, Wes Hudson, Richard Arnett, nephews Peyton Daniel, Kenton Thompson, Tommy Richardson and Dwain Lair. Honorary pallbearers were Jim Bob Dodson, Gerald Sims, Lee Dunlap, Hudson employees (past and present), Harrison Rotary Club and Masonic Lodge. Visitation was from 5 - 7 p.m. Friday, June 26, at Holt Memorial Chapel.

He was preceded in death by a son, Steve; and three sisters, Elva Kirby, Flora Sperry and Catherine "Kitty" Bell.

Survivors include his wife, Bettye Hudson; three daughters, Vickye Hudson Posey and Harry of Galveston, Texas, Shelley Hudson Ayres and Steve of Woodland Park, Colo., and Kim Hudson Daiger and Randy Nicholson of Harrison; five grandchildren, Steve, Kristi, Katy, Brittainy and Brett; two great-grandchildren.

The only son of the late C.N. and Minnie Hudson was born Sept. 27, 1923, in Harrison. He graduated from Harrison High School and enrolled in the dental program at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He left college and enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving four years.

He loved God and country and was a proud and patriotic American. He loved everything that was American and all patriotic songs that he heard.

Small American flags fluttered on his car antenna; he was careful to display properly the large American flags that have flown over the supermarket; and an American flag flies over his backyard.

After his service in the Navy, he returned to Baylor University in 1946, where he met his future wife. He and Bettye Horn Hudson celebrated their 68th anniversary Saturday, June 13 (2015). In 1947, they left college and went to Harrison to purchase and operate Hudson's Grocery.

Hudson's was located on the southwest corner of the square, when 95 percent of the store was lost in the May 1961 flood. He wrote the word "smile" on the window, and that was the store's trademark when it reopened four blocks north of the square on Main Street.

He loved Harrison, and his enthusiasm and motivation were reflected throughout the community. He served as member and president of: Harrison Rotary Club, Harrison Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), Harrison Senior Chamber of Commerce and Harrison School Board and served several years on the Harrison City Council. He was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church, 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Gideons and life member of National Rifle Association.

Doug was known by his handshake, welcoming smile, sense of humor and practical jokes. He could go in a restaurant, and know everyone inside by the time he left.

During a hospital stay in the 1980s, Doug had a sign painted, reading "Help! Bring Pizza!" and had it hung outside his hospital window. It made Associated Press national news.

He believed in taking vacations, and trips with his wife, children and grandchildren. In his early years, taking his wife and children to see beautiful America was a top priority. In later years, vacations were still a priority but with their grandchildren, who still remember those trips in the RV with Gramp and Granny.

When people asked, "How are you?" Doug always answered, "Super and Improving."

So don't worry about him now, he's Super and Improving.