Dr. Richard Woodard Hudson, Sr.

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Richard W. Hudson joined his life-long Savior and wife of 66 years, Jeannette Banks Hudson on January 29, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac James Hudson and Ruth Woodard Hudson; his brothers, Kenneth Hopkins “Hop” Hudson and Isaac James Hudson, Jr.; as well as two of his children, Richard W. Hudson, Jr. and Karen Hudson Stanley.

Dr. Hudson is survived by his daughter, Teresa Hudson Vaughn; his six grandchildren, Lucien R. Vaughn, III, Hudson T. Vaughn (Gracie), Benjamin M. Stanley, Richard W. Hudson, III, Christian W. Hudson, and Lillie Grace Hudson. He is also survived by his beloved daughter-in-law, Christina Burroughs Hudson. Family meant the world to “Papa Doc”, as did his many friends, patients and relatives, inside and outside of Pamlico County.

Papa Doc was born in New Bern, NC and was raised primarily in Vandemere, NC where he acquired his love for fishing and hunting. He graduated from Pamlico Co. High School in 1953 and from there received his undergraduate and medical degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill. While there, he was inducted in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Society and was elected president of his senior class. He was also a member of the KA fraternity, and as a senior was selected to be on the All ACC baseball team.

To say the least, Dr Hudson was an avid Tar Heel fan through and through. After leaving Chapel Hill, he completed his internship and residency at the Medical College of South Carolina where he received the Golden Apple Award from medical students there.

In 1963, Papa Doc returned to the place he loved most-Pamlico County. He, with his wife’s help, built what was then known as the Pamlico Medical Center in Bayboro. The Medical Center was funded with bonds, primarily by the citizens of Pamlico County, for which he was truly grateful. Once opened, his wife, a Registered Nurse, worked there for several years by his side. Her work and support as a Registered Nurse helped him get through medical school, in addition to raising their three children!

Dr. Hudson was a Charter Member of the Pamlico County Rescue Squad. He also served as President of the Craven-Pamlico-Jones Medical Society (1969), and after 35 years in private practice, retired in 1998. His retirement, however, did not keep him from acting as the Medical Director of the Pamlico County Health Department. Dr. Hudson also volunteered for the Merci Clinic in New Bern and was a volunteer Medical Director for the Hope Clinic in Bayboro. Both of these clinics provided healthcare for uninsured citizens.

Also after his retirement, Dr. Hudson was the recipient of the Daily Point of Life Award (National Volunteer of the Day) in 2002. In 2003, he was recognized as the Pamlico County Citizen of the Year by the Pamlico County Chamber of Commerce. The National Day of Honor was awarded to Dr. Hudson in 2005 by the Point of Life Foundation. The Sylvia G. Roberts Caregiver of the Year Award by Pamlico County Relay for Life and the Healthcare Award of Excellence from Craven Regional Medical Center Foundation were given to Dr. Hudson in 2006. In 2008, he was inducted into the Pamlico County Athletic Hall of Fame by the Pamlico County Boosters Club. The Pamlico County Department of Social Services awarded to Dr. Hudson the Doris Krauss Humanitarian Award in 2010 and in 2012 he was recognized by the Pamlico County Health Department, the Hope Clinic and the Merci Clinic for 13 years of public services. Also in 2012, Governor Beverly Purdue presented to him The Order of the Long Leaf Pine – highest award given by the state of North Carolina. Lastly, in 2013, the Pamlico County Heritage Center recognized Dr. Hudson for his many years of service to Pamlico County.

Dr. Hudson was also involved in many other activities, including the Pamlico County Education Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Board Member of Wachovia Bank and was a Hospice Committee Team Member. For many years, he sang in the choir and taught Sunday School classes at Bayboro United Methodist Church and served on multiple church committees, including the Chairman of the Administrative Board.

In addition to his childhood hobbies of fishing and hunting, he grew to love the game of golf. He and his wife, Jeannette, who he reluctantly admitted was better at the game than he was, had great fun traveling with friends to various locations to play the game. Of course, his favorite golf course was right here at home – Minnesott Beach Golf & Country Club.

Papa Doc, you will be missed by many, but your family will miss you the most of all!

The family will receive friends and relatives from 2:30 until 4:00 p.m., Thursday, February 2 ^nd at Pamlico Community College Delamar Center.

Funeral services will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the same location. Private interment will be in Grantsboro Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Hope Clinic, The Pamlico Christian Academy, or a charity of your choice.