Douglas Bland Hudgins, 54, of Blacksburg, died July 25, 2024.
Doug was born in Richmond in 1969 to H. Bland Hudgins and Gaylia Kline Hudgins and grew up in Mathews, Va. with his older sister, Vaniene. He played football and loved to sing in church. Doug attended Mathews High School before receiving a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees in engineering at Virginia Tech. After college, he stayed in Blacksburg and became a highly respected and sought after environmental engineer. In 1995, he met his wife Cathy and became a devoted stepfather to his children Alli and John, and a loving father to his son Zachary in 1998.
One of his favorite days in the whole year was the opening of dove hunting season. But his greatest passion was fly fishing, which also endowed him with lifelong friendships, took him around the world in his quest for the greatest trout streams, and filled him with a profound sense of peace. He was a lifelong Hokie who loved to tailgate with friends and family.
Along with being a sporting man, Doug was a devout Christian and an active member and leader of the Blacksburg United Methodist Church. He was a beloved Sunday School teacher to kids of all ages – “Mr. Doug” made the best chocolate chip muffins as a special treat for them. He also was a kind and compassionate mentor to children and families in the community.
Family and friends will remember Doug as a strong, reliable anchor with a wily, infectious sense of humor. He was genuinely interested in everyone he met. No matter what, he was there to offer a helping hand, strong shoulder, and kind word.
Doug was preceded in death by his father H. Bland Hudgins. He is survived by his wife Cathy Mills Hudgins; daughter Alli Dyer and her husband AJ Minette; son John Dyer and his husband David Williams; son Zachary Hudgins; mother Gaylia Kline Hudgins; sister Vaniene DeLucas and her husband Jim DeLucas; nephew Cole DeLucas and his wife Emily DeLucas; and niece Addisen DeLucas Good and her husband Jonny Good. He is also survived by his sweet dog, Artie.
The memorial was held July 30, 2024 at the Edges campus of Blacksburg United Methodist Church.
