Fun-loving Robert Lee Hudson "Bobby" born July 20, 1942, journeyed home on May 27, 2024, just missing his 82nd birthday. He was a middle child of three, born in Findlay, Ohio, and raised in the close-knit community of Cygnet, Ohio. His incredible parents, Mildred Helen Dishon and Robert Henry Hudson, instilled in him the values of hard work and community as they ran the family-owned market. Bobby shared his childhood with his older sister, Jacqueline Suvak-Simon, and his little brother, William Hudson, forming bonds that lasted a lifetime.
As a young entrepreneur, Bobby and his brother, Billy, delivered groceries around town, marking their first foray into capitalism. He attended Cygnet school from 1st to 11th grades and was in the first class to graduate from Elmwood High School. Bobby's charisma and leadership qualities shone through as he was crowned Homecoming King and captained the basketball team.
Bobby continued his education at Findlay College on a basketball scholarship, supporting himself by selling Cutco Knives and becoming the 10th highest seller in the nation. His talent for recruiting ambitious individuals to join his team was evident from an early age.
With degrees in education and sociology, Bobby embarked on a 15-year career in teaching. He shared his passion for social studies, science and followed his true love: coaching. He achieved a crowning moment by leading the Emerson "Indians" basketball team to a 1980 League Championship.
His greatest recruit, Cheryl Daugherty-Edgington, became his wife, and together they raised their daughter, Lynn Hudson, who followed in her father's footsteps as a dedicated educator. Bobby was also blessed to spend 18 years with Teresa Mihaly, a woman he fondly referred to as "Saint Teresa," who brought love and joy into his life and was a wonderful stepmother.
In 1972, Bobby established Country Choppers, a successful motorcycle shop, where he cultivated lifelong friendships with his customers. His dedication and passion earned him numerous awards from Drag Specialties and Markland, recognizing him as the top parts distributor in the country.
In 2014, Bobby and his loyal puppy, Chopper, relocated to Bradenton, Florida, to spend his retired years basking in the sun, enjoying boating, dancing, and worshipping at the Bridge Church on Sundays. He continued to spread love and generosity by adopting grandchildren at Moody Elementary (5425 38th Ave. West, Bradenton FL 34209) where any donations in his memory are welcomed to support education and children in need.
Bobby's larger than life personality, infectious optimism, and friendships that span all walks of life, made a positive impact on those around him.
A Memorial Gathering will be held 5-7 PM, Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, with a Celebration of Life immediately following at Clancy's Irish Sports Pub and Grill, 6218 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34210. There will be a Celebration of Life, on Thursday, July 19, 2024, from 6-8 PM, at the Moose Lodge, 1028 West Main Cross Street, Findlay, Ohio 45840, with Karaoke.
