A memorial service for Robert J. Hudson, 75, of Marietta, was held Saturday, July 25, 2009, at the First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary in Marietta with Rev. Dr. Sam Henderson officiating. Burial was a private service. He died Tuesday, July 21.

Mr. Hudson was born in Spartanburg, S.C., and was the son of the late C.O. "Jack" Hudson and Romalee Bishop Hudson. He was a member of DeMolay International. He was an Eagle Scout and lettered in baseball and football at Marietta High School. He was a disc jockey for WFOM during high school and college, receiving call-ins from classmates requesting songs. He attended Georgia Tech where he majored in Electrical Engineering and played baseball for the college. He was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force Cadets in January 1955 and was active in the Air Force until April 1956 and in the Reserves until September 1970. He was honorably discharged as a captain. He flew for Delta Airlines from 1957 until his retirement as a captain in August 1993. He had more than 30,000 hours flying time and 225 trips to Europe, all on the L1011. He flew cargo on C47s and DC3s and DC6s during his early year. He was a state officer of the Jaycees and president of the College Park Chapter. He organized the painting of City Hall in College Park and started the Miss College Park Beauty Pageant. He was a member of the Marietta Country Club and president of the Harbor Island Homeowners Association. He had been recognized as the youngest licensed ham radio operator in the State of Georgia.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Bettie Ruth Cox Hudson of Marietta; children and their spouses, Kari Hudson Callaway of Rayle, Michael Jefferies and Lisa Hudson of Beaufort, S.C., Elizabeth Hudson and Steve Bowles of Alpharetta; five grandchildren, Haley and Katherine Barton and Michael Bowles of Alpharetta; and India and Grace Callaway of Rayle.

Memorial contributions may be made to any charity or church of choice.

Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge of arrangements.