Pastor David Hudson, Jr.

Pastor David Hudson Jr. Obituary 

David Hudson Jr. was born into the union of David Hudson Sr. and Gladies Allen-Hudson on March 3, 1946. He is the oldest of nine: Helen, Leroy, Bernadine, Lee Arthur, Johnny D, Georgia Ann, Birtha Mae, and Don. David Jr. was raised on a farm in Keithville, LA, where he was taught to work hard, save money, lead others, plant and grow crops, and tend to livestock. He graduated from Walnut Hill High School in 1963. Afterward, he attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA before entering the military. As a result of his time in Baton Rouge, his first son, Darryl Wayne Andrews, was born. That great sense of responsibility resulted in his enlistment in the U.S. Navy in 1964, during the Vietnam War. David served honorably and was discharged in California at the end of his enlistment. 

His arrival in California started a new chapter in his life, when he connected with his cousin Leon Golden Sr., aunt Hazel Britton, and uncle Frank Charles Roberson, family members from back home. He found work as a tradesman on a construction crew using contacts through cousin Leon. David convinced the interviewer that he could paint. It soon became evident that he was no tradesman, but his leadership abilities emerged and were soon recognized. In short, time, he was running his own crew of painters. He took advantage of every benefit and opportunity afforded to him by his military service and legislation enacted as a result of the Civil Rights Movement. He attended community college and eventually concluded his studies at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA. He majored in economics with a minor in management. His education led him away from the trades and into the technical field of radio, then television broadcasting in San Francisco, CA. He was heavily involved in the NABET labor union and advocating for extending employment opportunities to African Americans.  

David learned to invest and also began to enjoy life as a young man. His home was fit for a family. He dressed to impress and rode in nice cars. He met and married Debra Hudson, leading to the birth of his second son, David Hudson III. He sent for his eldest son Darryl to live with them. Eventually, Darryl returned to Baton Rouge and the union between Debra and David ended, prompting him to relocate to Vallejo, CA. It was here that he renewed his relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the 1980s, he entered the ministry via Trinity Church of God In Christ (COGIC) under the leadership of Elder James R. Manning, the pastor of Trinity COGIC in Vallejo. 

David labored tirelessly in his newfound vocation by working in the community by ministering to the infirm and elderly. He advocated for affordable housing. He taught Sunday School, Bible study, facilitated activities for vacation Bible school, and seasonal recreational activities for children in the church and surrounding communities. He remarried and began to live life with Patricia, her daughter Benica, and (at times) his son David III. He earned the title of “Elder” in the COGIC organization. After close to two decades of service in the COGIC, he pastored a church in Pittsburg, CA.  

After returning home, he continued his community service and advocacy by holding oil and gas companies accountable for contaminating ground (well) water that residents needed for drinking and daily living. As a result, the county piped in water to these residents, as well as to Antioch Baptist Church. During this period David Jr. began experiencing health issues and sent for his son, David III. David later was introduced to and married Frances Ruben. Although their union didn’t last too long, they remained in contact until his passing. He spent his last years pastoring the Church of the Living God (COLG) affectionately known as “Do Right” located in Keithville, LA and raised cattle, like his father, until he was no longer able to serve due to his failing health. In his most recent years, he was cared for by his son David III and healthcare professionals until God called him home peacefully on the night of May 15, 2026 with his son at his side. 

David Jr. was preceded in death by his son Darryl Andrews; brother Leroy; father David Sr.; sister Bernadine Shiloh; and brother Johnny D. He leaves behind his mother Gladies; his son David III; his sisters Helen Boyd, Georgia Ann Williams (Bobby Ray) and Birtha Mae White; his brothers Lee Arthur and Don (Miriam); and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral Service

for

Pastor David Hudson, Jr.

11:00 AM

Saturday, May 23, 2026

Antioch Baptist Church

179 County Road 329

DeBerry, Texas 75639

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Saturday, May 23, 2026

Antioch Baptist Church

179 County Road 329 

DeBerry, Texas 75639

Interment

Northwest Louisiana Veteran's Cemetery

7970 Mike Clark Rd.

Keithville, LA 71047

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