Jerry "Chirp" Douglas Hudson Sr.

Jerry "Chirp"  Douglas Hudson Sr., 90, of Bessemer City, passed away on July 23, 2021, at Carolina Care Center in Cherryville.

He was born April 8, 1931, in Gaston County, son of the late Clemmon Hudson and Lottie Lail Hudson.

Jerry was a member of Westview Baptist Church in Gastonia, where he was the choir director and served as a deacon.

He was a 1951 graduate of Bessemer City High School.

He was a US Air Force veteran who served during the Korean War and after his military stint, he attended Gardner Webb College where he played on the All -State team in baseball.

He loved to golf, go fishing and watch various sports, but more than anything he loved spending time with his family.

He loved the Carolina Tarheels and the Atlanta Braves.

A memorial service will be held 12:30 pm Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Westview Baptist Church, Gastonia, officiated by the Rev. Scott Rudisill.

The family will receive friends 11 am -12:30 pm at the church.

Inurnment will be at Bessemer City Memorial Cemetery with military honors provided by the US Air Force.

Jerry is survived by his sons, Jerry Douglas Hudson Jr., Jody Long and wife Ginni; his daughters, Kathy Helms, Elaine Beattie, Norma Long;  ten  grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia "Jenny" Long Hudson; son, Jimmy Long; stepfather, Hunter Payne; brother, Bill Hudson; sons-in-law,  Bobby Helms, David Beattie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Westview Baptist Church, 3385 Fairview Drive, Gastonia, NC 28052. Or Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

Arrangements are with the West Chapel of Greene Funeral Service, Gastonia.