LEXINGTON – John Ivey Hudson, 79, of Fairview Drive, died Monday, Jan. 15, 2007, at 8:35 p.m. at his home

Mr. Hudson was born June 26, 1927, in Randolph County to John Ivey Hudson Sr. and Bessie Mae Dunnigan Hudson. A retired employee of Glosson Motor Lines with 32 years of service, he retired from driving as an owner/operator with Shulles Trucking in Hickory.

Mr. Hudson served on the Deacon Board, Elder Board and as Elder Emeritus and Pastor of visitation at his church. He served in the US Army and Navy during World War II and was a member of the VFW.

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.”

These words of a beloved hymn were never understood any better than by John Hudson. There was rarely a meeting with John that did not produce a sly smile and a recounting of his love for Jesus Christ. The week before he went to meet his beloved savior, he told a group of his family members, “I love you, but not as much as I love my Lord!”

“Pop,” as he was called by his family, was a rock not only for his faith, but also for all of those lucky enough to come into his presence. He always cared for people more than he cared for himself. As a truck driver, he was on the road witnessing and journeying the country, many times up to seven days a week. When he was home, he visited all those people that needed encouragement in the hospital, or those who were down on their luck. He loved to pray with people when they needed it and as his health began to fail him, the busy signal didn’t seem to leave the phone as he called all of those he couldn’t physically meet with. It was always special to hear his voice and know that there was someone who cared about you.

He loved his country and served it as a member of the Navy. He was always proud to have been a servant to America. He also served the people of his church family at Meadowview Presbyterian as a youth leader and eventually an Elder. His words were always filled with passion and honesty.

He overcame many struggles as a child and learned to appreciate what life had given him. He learned from his mistakes and passed on advice to all of those he loved.

He modeled Christ’s love for the church with his love for his wife, Sarah. Never could you doubt his loyalty and caring for her. The love they shared for each other shone in their eyes until the day John left to meet his savior. John loved his family more than life itself.

His children, Pamela, Kathy, Leesa, Anita and John, are filled with the strength, love, caring and integrity that their father worked to instill in each one of them. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren are filled with the lessons and experiences provided by their “Pop.” Whether it was teaching them to drive or taking them on day-long trips, his grandchildren always new that John was sincere in his actions and full of love for them.

John left those around him Monday, Jan. 15 to join his Father in heaven, but no one was left empty of his spirit, love and kindness. He taught us to laugh, love, be skeptical and to speak our minds. Our lives will never be the same without John “Pop” Hudson, but despite the feeling of loss by our humanly bodies, each of us knows that there has never been a happier day for him than when he entered the gates of Heaven and was welcomed by God the Father Almighty!

“To the old rugged cross I will ever be true; Its shame and reproach gladly bear; Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away, Where His glory forever I’ll share.”

He was preceded in death by his foster parents, Wayne and Marian Bingham; brother Eugene Hudson; sisters Doris H. Holder and Betty Smith; and foster brother Mike Bingham.

Surviving are his spouse, Sarah Gatton Hudson of the home, to whom he had been married for 56 years; son John William Hudson of Thomas-ville; daughters Pamela Jo Workman and husband Randy, Katherine Elizabeth Yarbrough and husband Charles Wesley, Joni Leesa Everhart and husband Randy and Anita Lynn (Pia) Hodge and husband Mike, all of Lexington; grandchildren Kelly Workman Younger and husband Todd, David Jeromy Yarbrough, Charles Michael Yarbrough and wife Stacey, John Caleb Yarbrough, Daniel B. Everhart and wife Valerie, Adam M. Everhart, Hannah M. Everhart and Emily J. Hodge; great-grandchildren Kaitlin Lambert; Sarah Lambert; William Lambert and Marie Yarbrough; step-grandchildren Ann Workman and Keith Workman and wife Melissa; step-great-grandchildren Jill McGee and Anna Workman; and foster brother Randy Bingham

Service: 2 p.m. Thursday at Meadowview Reformed Presbyterian Church, where he was a member, conducted by the Rev. Roger Wiles and the Rev. Chris Bitterman. Burial will be at Forest Hill Memorial Park.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 6-8 tonight at Davidson Funeral Home Lexington Chapel and at other times at the home.

Memorials: Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Davidson County, P.O. Box 1941, Lexington, NC 27293; or to Meadowview Presbyterian Church, One Way Grace Drive, Lexington, NC 27295.

Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net