Mr. Walter "Buddy" Graham Hudgins, Sr., 81, of Lillington passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at his home. He was born in Harnett County, the son of the late Elijah Graham and Lela Inez Matthews Hudgins. In addition to his parents, Buddy was preceded in death by his sisters, Doris Hudgins, Iris McDonald, and Eloise Hester.

Buddy retired from Summerville-Bunnlevel Fire Department after 25 years of service. He was a member of the Lillington Masonic Lodge #302 and 32nd degree Mason. Buddy was a long-time member and deacon of Calvary Baptist Church in Lillington. He worked as a brick mason for over 50 years. Buddy loved to garden with his tractor. He was a loving, hardworking, honest man who loved his family.

Buddy is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marilyn Hudgins of the home; 2 sons, Walter Graham Hudgins, Jr. and wife Laura of Lillington; Timothy Hudgins and wife Patricia of Lillington; daughter, Amanda Barnes of Lillington; 6 grandchildren, Westley Mitchell and wife Mehgan, Steven Hudgins and wife Jen, Selena Hudgins, Karly Eckey and husband Brandon Butler, Riley Gray and fiancé Edward Gray, and Savanna Stephens; 5 great-grandchildren, Alexander, Kenley, Tyler, Broughton, and Kaeson; his right hand man, Billy; sister, Audrey Pickard and husband Bill of Raleigh; many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-1:45 PM Friday, May 26, 2023, at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home in Lillington. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 PM with Rev. Robbie O'Quinn and Rev. Danny Lewis officiating. Burial will follow the service in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery in Mamers.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1162, Lillington, NC 27546.