Bobby Ray Hudgens

Funeral Services for Mr. Bobby Ray Hudgens, 66, of the Troy Community will be held on Friday, August 15th, 2014 at 10:00 a. m. at the First Baptist Church in Mill Creek, Oklahoma with Pastor Jonathan Smith officiating, assisted by Brother Tim Carter. Interment will follow in the Troy Cemetery. Mr. Hudgens passed away on August 11th, 2014 at the Mercy Hospital in Tishomingo. Bobby was born on January 6th, 1948 in Ada, Oklahoma to Bob Hudgens and Opal (Lowry) Hudgens. After graduating from Mill Creek High School in 1965, his path crossed with Andrea Shannon’s they fell in love and married on August 5th, 1967. Their son, Shelby, was born on September 10th of the following year. Bobby attended East Central University and Murray State College, where he received his Gunsmithing degree. He was an avid cattle rancher and owner of Bobby’s Rod & Gun in Tishomingo from 1980 until 1991. Bobby fought years of physical challenges. He developed Type I diabetes at the age of 13, in a time when this was considered a death sentence. Never one to be in the norm, he overcame this and many, many other obstacles and in 1992, the Lord allowed him a pancreas and kidney transplant, likely the first procedure of its kind for an Oklahoman. Although a great gift, Bobby continued to be plagued with a great many afflictions. While these were difficult and painful, he dealt with them in a way that exemplified his faith in Jesus Christ and set a very high example for the rest of us who claim Him. Bobby was a lover of life, possessing the uncanny ability to find the good in every situation that affected him. To that end, he brought out the best in everyone and people were drawn to his quick wit and ever-present smile. In his death, he left a legacy of kindness, love and patience that will remain the hallmark of his time on earth. He will be greatly missed. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Andrea, of the home, his son, Shelby Hudgens and wife Sarah, of Ada, Oklahoma, his grandchildren, Rebecca, Hannah, and Ben and great-grandson, Jeremiah, all of Ada, numerous other relatives and a host of friends. Pallbearers for the service will be: Jeremiah Smith, Tanner Hinton, Boyd Vestal, Eric Coll, David Blackburn and Roger Hicks. Honorary Bearers will be: Dean Ross, Tom Vestal and Finis Hallmark. The family will receive friends from 6-7 pm Thursday evening at the funeral home.

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Bobby Ray Hudgens

January 6, 1948 - August 11, 2014