Kenneth Matthew Hudgens
June 12, 1958 - March 11, 2025
Kenneth Matthew Hudgens, fondly known as Kenny, died peacefully at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock on March 11, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family.
Kenny was a remarkable man whose life was an example of the Golden Rule…Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. He was always first to offer his infectious smile followed by a really big hug. When you shared space with Kenny, you always left in a better mood and felt as if the world was a better place.
Kenny was born on June 12, 1958, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan to the late Winfred Matthew Hudgens and Marie Herring Hudgens. Kenny grew up alongside his siblings who he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Judy Jenkins (Jesse); Linda Griffin (Richard); and Cheryl Shirey (Homer). He was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Hudgens. Also preceding him in death was his father-in-law, Bobby C. Stell; and a nephew, Brian Jenkins.
Surviving Kenny is his loving wife of 47 years, Cindy Stell Hudgens; one son, Matthew Clark Hudgens (Peyton) of Monticello; his grandchildren, McClain Hudgens, Elijah Durham, Isaiah Durham, and his little diva, Bennett Elizabeth; his sister, Michelle Bailey (Wayne); his mother-in-law, Pauline McClain Stell; his nieces, Tina Jarvis, Dona Buie, Hollie Bolling and Alex Hudgens Tidwell; his nephews, Tony Jenkins, Keith Griffin, Kevin Griffin, Jarod Hudgens, J.R. Shirey, Chris Shirey, and Cody Bailey; and many great nieces, nephews, special cousins, and friends.
Kenny attended Drew Central Schools and later completed his requirements and certification to become a Master Electrician. He was given the opportunity to sharpen his skills as he worked for a few years with his brother-in-law Richard Griffin at Griffin Heating & Air. This led to a 36-year career with the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He retired in 2024, as their Electrical/ HVAC Supervisor.
Husband, Daddy, Brother, Uncle, Bo, Big Bo, Big Daddy, Cuz and Mr. Kenny were all important titles and names that Kenny wore proudly, but the most meaningful name that he answered to was, ''Bigzy''. On September 18, 2013, Kenny became a proud grandfather to McClain Hudgens. He was able to have a special bonding with McClain early on. When McClain was able to talk, he called Kenny, ''Bigzy''. A few years later the family grew to include Elijah, Isaiah and Bennett and just like McClain, they all grew to love their ''Bigzy''.
Many family, friends and acquaintances are feeling the tremendous loss of Kenny Hudgens. He was an active part of the community of Drew County. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Monticello where he serviced as an usher weekly. He was a volunteer baseball coach, worked with the Miracle League, and used his master electrician skills to help those in need. He was a golfer, bowler and gardener. One said in the past few days that Kenny Hudgens left his mark on every project that he became a part of. I would say that Kenny left his mark on the heart of all who knew him. May we always remember the Golden Rule in honor of our Kenny Hudgens and leave this world in better shape than we found it.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, at Stephenson Dearman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 317 South Main St. Monticello at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, with Rev.'s Lori Fallon, Bryan Diffee, Rob Leonard and Matt Terry officiating. Burial will be in Hamburg Cemetery in Hamburg, Arkansas. Donations in memory of Kenny may be made to: First United Methodist Church of Monticello, 317 S. Main St. Monticello, AR 71655; The Church of Christ of Monticello, Hwy. 415 North Monticello, AR 71655; or UAM Athletics, PO Box 3520 Monticello, AR 71656. You can sign Kenny's guestbook registry on this website.
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