Larry Wilson Hudson

Larry Wilson Hudson of Central, SC, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at Upstate Community Hospice House in Landrum, SC due to complications from a chronic illness.

 Born and raised in Wytheville, VA, Larry was the oldest child of Woodrow Wilson Hudson and Atha Callahan Hudson. He has two sisters: Myra Hudson Baumgardner (Jeff) of Charlotte, NC and Jo-ella Hudson Burnett (Lowell) of Austinville, VA. He is survived by his siblings and his nieces and nephews: Emily Baldwin (Patrick) and their son Callahan, Megan Baumgardner, Blake Burnett (Amy) and Jody Burnett (Kelly).

 In 1964, Larry graduated from Berea College with a degree in Agriculture and married Patricia Gale Pope. They have enjoyed 60 years of married life together. While at Berea, Larry became a part of Dana I and has continued these treasured relationships throughout his life. Larry and Patty moved to Lexington, KY where Larry pursued his PhD in Animal Science from the University of Kentucky. While there, he was awarded the title of Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor bestowed by the commonwealth of Kentucky. Larry then went to work for National Molasses in Philadelphia, PA; subsequently, they moved to Clemson, SC when Larry accepted a position in the Animal Science department at Clemson University. During this time, Larry and Patty had two daughters: Sara Paige Hudson Bowers (John) of Central, SC and Carrie Lynn Hudson Edmonds (Jason) of Campobello, SC. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children and two grandchildren, Arizona Marie Bowers and Hudson Norris Edmonds. He is predeceased by his granddaughter, Sophie Cordelia Edmonds. 

Larry worked at Clemson University for 28 years in the Animal Science department, serving as both a professor and horse specialist within the Clemson Extension Service. He consulted on equine issues across the state of SC and fostered youth education initiatives, such as district and state level horse camps and 4-H programs. In 1988, he was awarded for his support of the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships. He was active in regional and national horse shows and served annually in leadership roles with the State Horse Show. He was actively involved in making the Garrison Arena’s presence in Clemson a reality. He served as the President of the Extension Senate and earned awards in both 1988 and 1996 for Superior Service in the Clemson Extension Service. He was a National Extension Leadership Development Program intern from 1990-1993. In 1993 he won the Extension Master Teacher Award.

 Larry was raised at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Wytheville, VA. He has been a member of University Lutheran Church in Clemson, SC since 1995. He has served on the church council there and volunteered in various ways. Following retirement, Larry dedicated himself to volunteering for Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, believing that every person has the right to the dignity of having a home. He has served as both a board member and chairman of the board for the Easley Central Water District for many years. He enjoyed serving his community in this way and has pushed advances within the local water system. Larry was an avid birder and often traveled to new locations to find a bird to add to his ‘list’. He was an outdoorsman that loved hiking, horseback riding and anything involving nature. He was truly at peace in enjoying the outdoors. He was a part of a special group, called the “Old Men’s Outing Club”, a group of special friends who enjoyed outdoor adventures together. Larry organized many trips to Canada and California, arranging opportunities for his peers to enjoy horseback trips in these beautiful and challenging terrains. Larry never met a stranger and loved connecting with people. He was loyal and steady, simple with no needs for ‘extras’. He loved family and will be greatly missed. 

Services will take place at University Lutheran Church in Clemson, SC on Thursday, February 13th at 2pm. A light meal will follow in the fellowship hall. A private interment will happen at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions may be made to an Animal Science scholarship fund in his memory.

 Clemson University Development Office 

110 Daniel Drive Clemson, SC 29631 

Memo line: Larry W. Hudson 

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.