Rhea (Ray) Hudson

Ray was born in Beaumont and graduated from Nederland High School in 1941. He joined the United States Marine Corps on the first business day after his 18th birthday, served at Iwo Jima, earning a Purple Heart, and in the occupation of Japan.  Returning to Texas, he graduated from Lamar Tech (now Lamar University). 

He married Jean Marie Baldwin and they had sixty years of happiness together.  The family enjoyed traveling with their two children, Harry and Leslie, especially out West with their travel trailers. Ray and Jean Marie continued to travel with the RV after the children grew up.  They said a couple has to really be in love to use an RV. 

Ray had many talents, especially photography. His youth sports league team and individual photographs are in many homes in Beaumont and nearby communities. He was an agent with the Internal Revenue Service, and then operated his own tax business as an Enrolled Agent. He made many friends because of his ethics and consideration for the client. 

He was a charter member of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, and served as an usher for many years. 

He is survived by his wife, Jean Marie; sons, Harry and his wife, Janis of Georgetown and Leslie and his wife, Joni of Beaumont; granddaughters, Bailey Hudson of Georgetown and Amy Bryie of Beaumont; great-granddaughter, Crystal Bryie of Beaumont; and great-grandson, Julian Sissney of Aubrey.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 11, 2011, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont, with a committal to follow at Broussard’s Crematorium, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Christian Vigil at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, November 10, 2011, at Broussard’s.