John Stephen Hudson

John Stephen Hudson
February 3, 1947 – September 18, 2025

Steve Hudson, 78, of New Market, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on September 18, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and steadfast devotion.

Born February 3, 1947, in Huntsville, Alabama, Steve began his schooling at Rison Elementary School in the early 1950s and graduated from Hazel Green High School, where he played tackle for the Trojans. He built lifelong friendships through school and his faithful attendance at Union Grove Baptist Church.

After graduating in 1965, Steve enlisted in the United States Air Force. Serving during the Vietnam era, he rose to the rank of Buck Sergeant and proudly worked as a crew chief on KC-135 aircrafts, tasked with refueling B-52 bombers. He welcomed his first child in 1969, and following his honorable discharge that same year, he returned home to begin the next chapter of his life. In 1971, Steve married the love of his life, Fay, and together they shared 53 years of marriage filled with devotion, laughter, and family. He worked as an over-the-road truck driver—earning the nickname “The Wild Rover”—and later welcomed two more children, building a life he deeply cherished.

Steve was a disciplined, stoic man, grounded in faith and virtue. He worked hard, never taking more than he earned, and was known for his dependability, patience, and loyalty. He loved the outdoors — the satisfaction of a well-kept yard, the thrill of hunting and fishing, and the peace found in quiet moments with nature. He was a man who would give the shirt off his back to someone in need, and he filled his home with affectionate nicknames, wisdom, and unconditional love. To his children and grandchildren, he was both a protector and a gentle guide, and his absence leaves a painful emptiness.

He was preceded in death by his son, John Stephen Hudson Jr.; his mother, Doris Green Whiteley; his father, Albert William Whiteley; his sister, Joeena Hudson McGriff; and his brother-in-law, Lamar Eugene McGriff.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Laura Fay Hudson; daughters, Beth Squier and Kerri Smith (Brandon); his treasured grandchildren, Laura Cooper, Charles Bratcher (Tori), Riley Landers (Dakota), Sophia Squier, and Noelle Squier; and numerous nieces & nephews. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Oliver, Hudson, Chandler Fayh, and Ben, who will carry his spirit forward for years to come. 

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday at 4pm at Hazel Green Funeral Home.  The family will begin receiving friends an hour before the service.  

Steve's life was defined by faith, family, and quiet strength. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.