Dean Gordon Hudgins left this earthly home on Jan. 14, 2022 at Francis Sanders Nursing Home where he had been due to a fall on Christmas Day.

Dean was born on April 2, 1931, the sixth child of Arthur and Fannie Grey Hudgins. He lived his entire life at Diggs in Mathews County, and he loved being there. On July 12, 1950, he married Roberta Marie Armistead. Together, they worked hard and raised their only child, Deena Ruth Hudgins.

Dean worked for the Mathews Ice Company as a young man. He was the “last man to deliver ice in Mathews.” He worked on the construction of the Coleman Bridge and at Fort Eustis for a short time.

For many years, he was a crabber in the local waters. Dean loved cattle and farming for himself and others. Dean farmed land until his health failed. He had a bountiful garden each year at his home in Diggs. He was glad to share of his bounty with family and friends. This was his happiest work; on his tractor, and being in his garden.

In February of 1999, his life changed forever when his wife of 48 years, Roberta, passed away. Dean loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. Everyday life made him happy. He and Roberta were avid Pittsburgh Pirates and Virginia Cavalier fans.

In addition to his wife, Dean was preceded in death by his siblings, Thelma Forrest, Rosebud Buchanan, Chester Hudgins, E. Lorraine Hudgins and Dorothy Grey Burroughs. Also preceding him, his nephew, Dale Forrest, and his dearest friend, Mildred Walker.

He is survived by his daughter, Deena and her husband, Bruce Waddell, whom he considered a son. His grandson, his joy, Warren Bruce survives him as well as his granddaughter by heart, Tami Lynn Stewart. Dean is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Jean Green of Gloucester. Dean was a member of Salem U.M. Church, Diggs.

A funeral service was held on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, at 2 p.m., with visitation starting at 1 o’clock at Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, Virginia. The service was conducted by the Rev. Alvin Downs. Interment was private for the family. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Milford Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 596, Mathews, Va. 23109.