Born in Greenwood County, he was the only child of the late Albert and Irene Harris Hudgens. A 1959 graduate of Ware Shoals High School, he was employed by Duke Energy for nearly 40 years, earning numerous work certifications and retiring as a valve technician. He had also worked for Daniel Construction.

Billy was a faithful member of Ware Shoals First Presbyterian and was a faithful member and officer of Ware Shoals Masonic Lodge 306 A.F.M. He was a 51-year member, most recently serving as a Junior Warden of the South.
He traveled the country with family and friends and never met a stranger. Billy always had a smile on his face and lived life to the fullest to his very last breath. Despite declining health in recent years, he faced it with courage and never complained. He was a devoted husband, loving father, a hard worker and good provider.

Surviving are his three sons, Will (Jill) Hudgens of Hodges, Nathan Hudgens and Lance (Lindsey Davis) Hudgens, all of Ware Shoals;
his daughter, Anna Beth (Johnny) Gillis of Ware Shoals; seven grandchildren, Christian, Mollie Kate, Benjamin, Audrey, Tori, Zack and Emmy; his mother-in-law, Betty W. Branyon of Ware Shoals.
In addition to his wife and parents, Billy was predeceased by his precious grandson, Tucker Cole Gillis. He leaves behind numerous family and friends and many wonderful memories.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 3 at First Presbyterian Church of Ware Shoals with the Rev. Wayne Wicker and the Rev. Kevin Cartee officiating. Burial will follow at Oakbrook Memorial Park.

The family is at the home and will receive friends Sunday from 2 - 3 p.m. at the church, prior to the service.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.parkerwhitepruitt.com.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Ware Shoals, 2 Mill Street Ware Shoals, SC 29692.