Donald “Duck” Leon Hudgins, of Arvonia, passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. He was 76 years old. Duck is predeceased by his parents, Howard Asie and Blanche Stinson Hudgins. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy (Dotti) of 27 years. 

Duck devoted his life to his family, especially his grandchildren. From cooking breakfast and making sugar cookies, sharing time, going fishing, attending games and supporting their education, he was there for them through the end of his life.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Dotti;  his two sons, Robert (Bobby) and partner, Teresa of Buckingham County and Kenneth (Kenny) of Charlottesville; his stepdaughter, Elizabeth Ragland of Buckingham; stepsons, J.W. and wife, Bettie Lou of Louisa and David and wife, Jen of Amelia; his grandchildren,  Jacob, Kenny,  David, Alex, Jimmie, Thomas, Grace, Emily, and Dawson; his brothers, David and wife, Roma and Thomas (Teenie) and wife, Jean; his sister, Ann and husband, William and loving nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Duck was born in Arvonia in 1939.  He served in the Army for two years and was a general contractor and owner of “Pools by Duck”.  He was an active volunteer in the community.  He was a founding member of the Arvonia Fire Department and ran calls for 30+ years.  In 1998 he initiated the ‘Christ in Christmas Chain’ to help provide Christmas gifts and food for those in need. Today the charity continues to help those in need on a year round basis.  Duck was awarded ‘Volunteer of the Year’ by the Buckingham Chamber of Commerce in 2004 in honor of his volunteer work in the community. The Ruritan Club awarded him the ‘Citizenship Award’ in 2010, marking 26 years of membership and recognizing all his volunteer work. 

Duck loved people and talked to everyone he met. He especially enjoyed talking with everyone who would stop to buy the apples he sold from his front yard late fall every year. He was an avid turkey hunter and a fisherman giving away most of his catch to the needy.  He enjoyed baking and his coconut crème and chocolate chess pies were a favorite of his friends and family. 

Visitation will be held at Dunkum Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. Saturday April 2.

Services will be held at Arvonia United Methodist Church, where Duck was a life-long member, on Sunday April 3 at 2 p.m. with visitation one hour before the service.  He will be laid to rest in the church cemetery following the ceremony.

Donations to the Christ in Christmas Chain are welcome and being accepted through Brittany Wharam, 273 Allens Lake Road, Dillwyn, VA 23936.

Dunkum Funeral Home, Dillwyn, is in charge of arrangements. www.dunkumfuneralhome.com