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.
Condolences(29)
Judy Hudgens
Hot Springs, AR Sunday, March 23, 2025 Cindy, Matt & Family,Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of Kenny. Bill & I love all of you.
Love,
Judy & Bill
Renee Baxter
Dumas, AR Friday, March 21, 2025 He will be missed. I was his nurse at one time but he always made ME feel better somehow. A very special soul. Rest in peace Mr Kenny.Sharon Shook McIntyre
Monticello, AR Friday, March 21, 2025 Cindy and family I am so sorry about Kenny. Kenny was such a nice person, always the same with a smile on his face. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.Sincerely,
Sharon
Cheryl Elton
Hamburg, AR Thursday, March 20, 2025 There are no words that I can say to ease your pain other than I love you. I have been praying for comfort for all of you and will continue to as you go through this difficult time. Kenny was loved by so many and will be missed.Kay and David Ozment
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 20, 2025 Cindy, Matt and Family we are so sorry for your loss! Tanglewood will never be the same again without that smile of Kenny’s!! If you need anything let us know!!Laci Harris
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 20, 2025 Mrs. Cindy, Matt and Family,We are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Kenny was such a kind soul. He will be missed by many. I am not sure one can think of Mr. Kenny and Momma Hudge and not have a smile on their face. Sending many hugs and prayers during this difficult time to you all. God Bless and may you hold on to the many memories you shared with Mr. Kenny.
Laci, Crayton, Parker & Rhett Harris
Bradley C Taylor
Glendale, CA Thursday, March 20, 2025 Sorry for your loss. I remember Kenny growing up at UAM. He was always happy and smiling. He was a great man.Lela Menotti
Monticello, AR Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Kenny was one of those "one of a kind" guys. Can't add anything to what has been said except to say it is all true. Prayers for you all.Kim Kendrick Lawson
Star City, AR Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Cindy, so sorry to hear about Kenny. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Cliff & Lisa Gibson
Monticello, AR Wednesday, March 19, 2025 It is an understatement to say that Kenny and his always present smile and good disposition will be missed by many from all across southeast Arkansas. The world will definitely be a poorer place without him, but Heaven will be much improved. We send our condolences to Cindy and his family. Cliff & Lisa.Lummye Courson
Hamburg, AR Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Cindy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.John Hunt
Monticello, AR Tuesday, March 18, 2025 The world was a better, happier place because Kenny was in it. Every time I ever talked with him he made me laugh. It was a privilege to have known him.Shana Wright Wilson
Monticello, AR Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Cindy, Matt and family-We are so very sorry for your loss. Kenny was a great man who we were all blessed to have known. Continued prayers for you all.Love you-Stacy, Shana, Elizabeth & Seth Wilson
Dale and Dianna Bates
Monticello, AR Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Words cannot express the deeply heartbreaking sorrow we are feeling at the loss of our "SPECIAL" Bro. To know Kenny was to love Kenny!!! Our lives and Tanglewood will definitely never be the same. Cindy, Matt, Peyton, Clain, Isaiah, Elijah, Bennie and Granny Stell we love all of you so much and are so BLESSED to be a part of your family. Prayers for all of you as you try to adjust to life without our beloved Kenny. He will be watching from heaven and guiding your every step.❤️🙏🌹Jerry Jordan
Maumelle, AR Tuesday, March 18, 2025 I'm so sorry to hear about Kenny,Prayers for you and your family Cindy.
Susan Stephenson Smith
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Cindy and Matt, I have thought back often the last few days of how special Kenny was to so many people. You know how special he was to our family. My heart and my prayers are with you as you go through the coming days. Love yall, SusanMelissa A Bailey
Wilmar, AR Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Cindy,Darren and I are sorry for the loss of your love and we just wanted you to know that we are praying for you and your family during this time of your grieving but just remember that he is resting now with Jesus and gone but not forgotten about
Love The Bailey's
Steve Wells
Udall, KS Monday, March 17, 2025 Cindy,On behalf of Bea Wells and family we offer our sincere condolences to you and your family. Mom and Dad thought the world of him.
Al & Marilyn Harrison
Hamburg, AR Friday, March 14, 2025 Cindy,Al & i have been Praying & thinking about our friend. Although we didnr know Kenny that well, we lnew if he was your husband .. he was a great guy! Reading how the town of Monticello loved him, and how he was such a stand up guy…. His memories will live on forever! We love you and will see you soon.
Love to you & the family . Please take care of you, my friend.
Al & Marilym
Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Friday, March 14, 2025 Dear Cousin Cindy and to all of Kenny's family, I am sorry for your great loss. As you well know Kenny was a great person and most likely had more friends than anyone else in Drew County. You have my prayers of comfort at this very sad time! Love, KayReba Gray
Lake Village, AR Thursday, March 13, 2025 Cindy , Sending love and prayers for you and your family.Kim & David Hoffman
Augusta, AR Thursday, March 13, 2025 Cindy, Matt, and family,We are so very sorry about Kenny. He was a wonderful man and was loved by every one that knew him. Please know you will all be in our prayers. With love, Kim and David
Jackie Robinson
Atkins, AR Thursday, March 13, 2025 Cindy, I am so sorry for your loss. Kenny was a great person. He will be missed. Praying for you and the family.Becky Belvin
Fordyce, AR Thursday, March 13, 2025 Cindy, I was so sad to hear about this. He meant so much to so many people, especially Matt, Amber, and family. I’m so thankful for the memories they have with your family. My prayers are with you all.Jane Evans
Hamburg, AR Thursday, March 13, 2025 Cindy you are all in my prayers and thoughts. Wrap yourself in all your heartfelt memories. Love, Jane EllenBecky Belvin
Fordyce, AR Thursday, March 13, 2025 Cindy, I was so sad to hear about this. He meant so much to so many people, especially Matt, Amber, and family. I’m so thankful for the memories they have with your family. My prayers are with you all.Kent Davis
Maumelle, AR Wednesday, March 12, 2025 We were friends for a long time, He was a good man, I am so sorry PrayersRITA (DAVID) JACKSON
Star City, AR Wednesday, March 12, 2025 I am so very sorry to hear about Kenny passing, love and prayers for all you his loved ones.Lindy Hester
Monticello, AR Wednesday, March 12, 2025 Cindy & family, I'm saddened to hear of your loss. Kenny was such a special person and will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.