Richard Lee Hudson, Jr. passed away suddenly on May 12, 2023, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Richard was born on March 8, 1959, in Würzburg, Germany. He was raised in Crozet, Virginia and graduated from Albemarle High School in 1977. He attended Old Dominion University and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice in 1982.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Barrett Hudson; his daughter, Sarah Catherine Hudson Pilkington and her husband, Vance, of Richmond, Virginia, numerous cousins; and his canine companions, Dixie and Liza. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Cook MacGregor and his stepfather, Peter Boxley MacGregor.

Richard loved his family more than life itself and was the most wonderful husband and father. His daughter, Sarah Catherine, was the light of his life and Richard was so excited that he would soon welcome his first grandchild.

Following in the footsteps of his beloved grandfather, Sheriff Walter Sherrard Cook, Richard devoted his career to law enforcement, serving in the Charlottesville Police Department for more than twenty-six years. After retiring as a Detective Sergeant, Richard continued in his dedication to service by volunteering as a reserve Deputy Sheriff for Albemarle County and working as a Staff Investigator for the Chandler Law Group.

Richard loved life. He was an outdoorsman with an enormous passion for duck hunting and wetlands preservation. He was an avid golfer and loved every opportunity he had to spend with his golfing buddies on the links. He recently made his first and only hole-in-one. More recently, Richard took up trout fishing and was making great progress towards becoming an expert angler.

One of Richard's greatest joys was his family's homeplace, Rosegate Farm, in Western Albemarle County. Richard's love affair with the farm started in his childhood when he spent countless happy hours there with his grandparents. Richard was the sixth generation to till the garden, plant the herbs, fish in the pond, tend the cattle, and enjoy a sunset from the front porch. Indeed, Richard worshiped his Creator outdoors, and we have no doubt that he is home and indescribably happy.

Richard was a member of Batesville Methodist Church, where his family had worshiped for generations. He was also a member of the Crozet Sportsman Club, and served on the Board of Directors of Crime Stoppers, Inc. Richard was a long-time member of Ducks Unlimited, serving as Virginia State Chairman, a member of the Virginia State Council, Jefferson Area Chairman and District Chairman.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 1 p.m. at King Family Vineyards, 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VA 22932.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Virginia Ducks Unlimited, 1431 Cola Drive, McLean, VA 22101.

Anderson Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Submitted by Sam Clarke and Mary Ann Robertson.