Raymond S. 'Ray' Hudson, 80

SMYRNA - Raymond S. "Ray" Hudson of Smyrna left this life to be with the Lord Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, in Smyrna. He was 80.

Mr. Hudson was born April 28, 1927.

He spent most of his life in the Smyrna-Clayton area.

Mr. Hudson, who has been referred to as "the best pitcher on the East Coast," graduated as president of John Bassett Moore High School's class of 1944.

He served with the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II.

A self-made man, he established his own electrical-supply business and was able to retire at age 53.

Mr. Hudson's early retirement allowed him to indulge in his favorite pastimes of golf, hunting, fishing, vacationing and enjoying his family, who loved laughing and spending special moments with him. His kindness and gentle spirit will always remain in his family's hearts. He, as a loving man, taught them well.

He was preceded in death by his wife, E. Lorraine Pleasanton, whom he married Aug. 20, 1948.

He is survived by his most precious two daughters and a son-in-law, Robin Rae and Steuart Colevas, and April Lorraine Hudson; three grandchildren and their spouses, Stephanie (Colevas) and Adam Moyer, Paul and Kara Colevas, and Alexandra Colevas; two great-grandchildren, Kayla Elizabeth and Preston Marshall; a sister and a brother, Nancy "Nan" Faries and Rick Hudson, and their families; his special "adopted" daughter and caregiver, Ginny Cummings; his best friend, John Doughten; and Dylan, his favorite bassett hound.

Services will be noon Thursday in the Faries Funeral Chapel, 29 S. Main St., Smyrna, where friends may call two hours earlier.

Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Hope Clinic, c/o Dr. José Pamintuan, 865 Buttner Place, Suite 101 Dover, DE 19904.