Vernon Clyde “Bunny” Hudson, 81

Vernon Clyde Hudson, affectionately known as Bunny Hudson, age 81, was called to rest in the grace of the Lord on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, January 8, at 2 p.m. at Mt. Shady Baptist Church with Reverend Rusty Moore and Reverend Jim Harrell officiating. Mr. Bunny will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Mt. Shady Baptist Church Cemetery. Family received friends Tuesday evening, January 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mt. Shady Baptist Church

Pallbearers will be Ridge Allen, Mike Beasley, Jeremy Gamiza, Eric Hammock, Gary Hodges, Corey Chalker, Donnie Garrett and Lee Stewart.

Bunny was born on September 28, 1943, to the late Oliver and Ola Fomula Hudson. He dedicated his life to ministry and service to others. Bunny’s ministry journey began early in his life, starting at Mt. Shady Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher, music director, and deacon. He later became the pastor of Liberty Grove Baptist Church in Wrightsville from 1999 to 2001. Throughout his ministry, he officiated his first wedding in 1999 and went on to officiate over 70 weddings and 124 funerals.

In 2002, Bunny and a group of passionate individuals founded Emanuel Christian Ministries, holding their first services at Johnson’s Funeral Home before relocating to their permanent building on Lambs Bridge Road in 2007. He was an integral part of the church’s growth, witnessing its construction with great pride, as he always believed in the importance of building a place where all people could come together, regardless of denomination. His vision for the church was one of inclusivity, where everyone was welcomed with open arms.

Above all, Bunny’s most impactful sermon was one of love. He often reminded those around him that “we are all sinners saved by grace” and emphasized that through God’s love and grace, anyone could be transformed, no matter their past. Love was the core of his ministry.

Music played a significant role in Bunny’s life. He traveled with the Gospel Travelers for ten years, singing at countless weddings and funerals with deep devotion and love. His heartfelt performances were a gift to many, always offering comfort and joy through song.

In addition to his ministry, Bunny had a long and successful career in the industrial manufacturing sector, beginning in the shipping department at Creston’s, then advancing to assistant plant manager at Swainsboro Sportswear. He worked as a traveling salesman with Adler, Durkopp Adler, and Atlanta Attachment, marking the conclusion of his career in the industry. After retiring from the road, Bunny enjoyed working with the Emanuel County School System as a special education bus driver and paraprofessional, where he found joy in touching the lives of students, who in turn, loved him dearly. Bunny was also a dedicated Master Mason and a member of Swainsboro Masonic Lodge 244, where he remained active until 2013. He proudly served as Worshipful Master in 1979. Mr. Hudson is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Oliver Hudson Jr., Brent Hudson, Wayne Hudson, Drone Hudson Sr., Opal Jones and Johnnie Mae Riner.

Mr. Hudson is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Romona Hammock Hudson; daughters, Rhonda Oglesby (Jamey) and Brandi Hudson (William Burke); grandchildren, Drake Oglesby (Liz Noles), Dilan Oglesby (Crystal), Madison McNeal (Chase Thompson), Brandon Johnson (Carley), William Burke Jr. (Emily), Gena Johnson (Chesley), Erin Chalker (Corey) and Lani Garrett; great-grandchildren, Noles Cillian Oglesby, Evee McNeal, Noah McNeal, Haven Oglesby, Brennen Johnson, Brody Johnson, Jensen Johnson, Reid Chalker, Jones Chalker,and Brady Burke; sister, Margaret Moss; cherished children of the heart, Jessie Garrett (Donnie), Mike Beasley (Debra) and children; special family friend, Topekia Carswell; and a host of much-loved nieces, nephews and extended family. Bunny’s legacy of love, faith and service will forever be cherished by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: The Gideons International, P.O. Box 365, Swainsboro, GA 30401.

Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.