MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2023 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Fillingane, Polk, Barnett, Blount, Boyd, Branning, Butler (38th), Caughman, Chassaniol, DeBar, England, Hill, Hopson, Jackson, Johnson, Kirby, McCaughn, Michel, Norwood, Parker, Seymour, Sparks, Thomas, Turner-Ford
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE, PUBLIC CAREER AND LEGACY OF FORREST COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR, FORMER MAGEE ALDERMAN, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE FORREST COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND FORMER STATE SENATOR BILLY C. HUDSON AND EXTENDING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE TO HIS SURVIVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
WHEREAS, Mississippi lost one of its longest tenured public servants with the passing of Forrest County Tax Collector, former Magee Alderman, former President of the Forrest County Board of Supervisors and former State Senator Billy C. Hudson at age 84 on November 30, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Billy Hudson was a well-known Pine Belt businessman who dedicated his retirement years to public service; and
WHEREAS, Billy Hudson was born on June 16, 1938. He studied at the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of Arizona and Perkinston Junior College. Professionally, Hudson worked as a rancher and served as the former CEO of Hudson Salvage; and
WHEREAS, Billy Hudson served as Forrest County District 5 Supervisor for two terms and as President of the Board of Supervisors for four years. In 2007, he was elected as Mississippi State Senator for District 45, and served his district at the State Capitol for 12 years. In 2019, he decided to return home to Hattiesburg and was elected Tax Collector, a decision he made so that he would be able to serve his constituents in a more personal, one-on-one manner; and
WHEREAS, former Senator Hudson represented District 45, which consists of portions of Forrest and Perry Counties. Hudson served as a Magee City Alderman. As a member and Chair of the Forrest County Supervisors, his knowledge of local government was extremely beneficial to the Mississippi Senate; and
WHEREAS, at the beginning of the 2015 Legislative Session, Hudson served on the following committees: Agriculture, Chair; County Affairs, Vice Chair; Environmental Protection, Conservation and Water Resources; Finance; Highways and Transportation; Labor; Rules; and Universities and Colleges; and
WHEREAS, Senator Joey Fillingane stated at the time of Senator Hudson's retirement from the Senate, "I have been privileged to have served alongside Senator Hudson over the last two terms. As Agriculture Chair, he did a great job representing our state's agricultural interest, which is still the Number 1 sector of our economy. That is pertinent to the farmers in our districts and to the entire state"; and
WHEREAS, Senator Hudson is predeceased by his parents, Henry Hudson and Trugen Hudson and brother, Micky Hudson. He is survived by his wife, Barbara and his children: Trudi Abel (Mark), Bill Hudson (Liz) and Ben Hudson (Michelle); and his stepsons: Mark Ward (Suzie) and Marty Ward (Jill). Further, he is survived by 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Senator Hudson's service was marked by his commitment to success and recognized leadership, sound judgment and fairness. He set the highest standard in all his many roles, as a father, husband, businessman, citizen, statesman and leader in the Mississippi Senate and as a true friend:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life, public career and legacy of Forrest County Tax Collector, former Magee Alderman, former President of the Forrest County Board of Supervisors and former State Senator Billy C. Hudson and extend the sympathy of the Legislature to his surviving family and friends, and thank his family for sharing Billy Hudson with us.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Billy C. Hudson, forwarded to the members of the Forrest County Board of Supervisors and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.