Ira Clifford Hudson Jr.

IRA CLIFFORD HUDSON, JR. was born on September 21 1940 in Jackson, Mississippi to the late Mittie and Ira C. Hudson Sr. He was the youngest of his two siblings, who preceded him in death. Ira was home schooled until the age of ten. Afterwards, he enrolled in public school, graduating from Lanier High School. In 1958, Ira enlisted into the United States Navy. He completed basic training at the Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. As a “Navy Man”, Ira served as a veteran of the Vietnam War and travelled throughout the country and abroad. During his stint in the Navy, he received numerous medals and commendations, including the Good Conduct Medal, Veteran’s Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. On February 25, 1978, Ira retired after more than twenty years of dedicated service to his country. After receiving his Honorable Discharge, Ira began employment with the San Diego Unified

School District as a Maintenance Engineer, making many friends along the way. He retired once again, after twenty-two years of exemplary service. In pursuit of his thirst for knowledge, Ira enrolled at Southwestern College, where he earned his Associate Degree in Human Services in June 1980. Ira was a dedicated member of Prince Hall Affiliated Free and Accepted Mason. He served as Past Master of Gibraltar Lodge #58, serving two successful terms as Worshipful Master and Past Patron of Ione Chapter #58. He also served as a member of the following Prince Hall Affiliated Masonic Orders: Mt. Moriah #4, San Diego Consistory #91 and Azeem Temple Number #102 A.E.A.O.N.M.S. Ira was a lifetime member of VFW #5179 and Disabled American Veterans. He was the proud recipient of numerous civic and masonic awards and recognitions. In 1997, Ira united with Bethel A.M.E. Church under the leadership of Reverend, Dr. C. Dennis Williams and continued under Reverend Harvey L. Vaughn III and remained a faithful member until his recent illness. In 2014, Ira received the Bethel Man of Godly Ways Award. His favorite scripture was Psalm 133, which he knew by heart. Ira was a very loving and devoted husband; where you saw one, you saw the other. He was known throughout the community as a mentor and father figure. He was a man of standards to be followed. He was affectionately known by many names, including “Dad”, “Pops” and “Mr. Smooth”. No matter what you called him, he was known by all as a man of standards. On Saturday, April 16, 2016, Ira Clifford Hudson, Jr. was called from earthly labor to eternal rest. He leaves to cherish his memory, the love of his life and beloved wife of twenty-seven years, Carroll Hudson; mother-in-law, Aileene O. Bennett; sister-in-law, Margie Barnes; nephew, Flomond Barnes; spiritual daughters, Pastor Gloria Roberts and Kathy Woods; Masonic father, Charles T. Garrett; Masonic brothers, Olester Brandon, John Taylor, James Henderson, Howard T. Lovelace, Michael Trapps and Reverend Dr. Larry Campbell and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and an abundance of friends. Services were held Monday, May 2, 2016 at Bethel A.M.E. Church; interment at Miramar National Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary.