Derek Lee Hudson
July 9, 1992 – November 1, 2024
Funeral services for Derek Lee (Big D, D-rock) Hudson (32) of Columbiana, AL are 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Cairo GA. Rev. Wesley Criswell will officiate. Mr. Hudson passed on Friday, November 1, 2024.
Mr. Hudson was born on July 9, 1992, to David Hudson and the late Teresa Hudson.
Survivors include his father, David Hudson; his brother, Brian Hudson; his sister, Kristy Criswell (Wesley); his grandparents, Rick and Sara Daniel; numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and the most supportive friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Teresa Hudson; his grandfather, Jesse Hudson; his grandparents, Terrence and Claire Carraway; and his aunt: Cathy Evers.
A native of Florida, Derek was raised in Columbiana where he met lifelong friends through school, baseball, and life. He lived his final years in Galveston, Texas where he boasted 52 months of sobriety through complete abstinence. In Galveston, he was enveloped in a loving community consisting of pool sharks, golfers, bar patrons, homeless people, co-workers, addicts, and church family. Not one of them was ever a stranger. They felt the love of Jesus through a firm handshake or a strong hug.
Derek climbed cell phone towers for a living. His co-workers saw his dedication to the Lord and were inspired by his fervency. His employers admired his strong work ethic. By the grace of God and the honest labor of Ephesians 4:28, he was able to escape the captivity of streets and incarceration. He died the owner of a proud estate.
Derek loved golf, bowling, sports, motorcycles, taking peoples’ money in pool, his dad’s advice, his mother’s patience, his brother’s companionship, his sister’s phone calls and pumpkin rolls. With a natural flare, he excelled at anything that interested him. Most of all, he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Though Derek was called home young, Jesus saved his life. He stayed strong to the end and left earth full of joy and peace walking in the name of Jesus.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that monetary donations be made to the addiction ministry of Derek’s church, Church of the Living God, Galveston, TX. Donations can be made online at http://www.colg.org/give-online/. When prompted, add note “In memory of Derek Hudson for addiction ministry” or Mail check payable to COLG to 3315 7 Mile Road, Galveston, TX 77554.
