Celebrating the life of....Swanson Napoleon Hudson "Jerry"
May 26, 1944 - November 20, 2020
Family Gathering: 138 Pineywood Street, Thomasville, NC 27360
Public Visitation: Friday, November 27, 2020 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Funeral Service: Friday, November 27, 2020 2:00 pm
S. E. Thomas Funeral and Cremation Services
110 Highland Avenue
Thomasville, NC 27360
Obituary
Swanson Napoleon Hudson, 76, of Thomasville, NC, transitioned peacefully on November 21, 2020 surrounded by loved ones. Swanson, better known as Jerry, was born May 26, 1944 to Doak and Rosa M. Hudson. After attending Church Street School, Jerry joined the US Army on June 18, 1965.
He was always full of life and loved a challenge, so it was no surprise when he chose infantry as his division.
Jerry served three tours in Vietnam while also spending time in Thailand, Cambodia, and Panama. While on tour, he was a member of the elite LRRP/ARP Platoon of the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment, aka Blackhorse. He was very proud to participate in this unit which allowed him to perform special operations and covert assignments. Counted among his awards and medals are the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, two Bronze Star medals (one with valor), Purple Heart medal, Air medal, Army Commendation medal (2nd award), National Defense medal, Good Conduct medal (2nd award), Marksmanship Qualification Badge with rifle bar, Vietnam Service medal with eight campaign stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal with Dev (60), Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm, and four overseas service bars. After being discharged with full honors in 1977, Jerry returned home and started a career with the North Carolina Division of Corrections.
In 1980, he was united in marriage to Ellanora “Susan” Hudson and began the process of reconnecting with family and friends. Jerry was well read and a walking source of knowledge. An avid historian, he would spend many days researching historical events and tracing his genealogical roots. He has several articles published in Vietnam Magazine and had begun writing his own book. He kept busy by holding an officer position with the local Purple Heart Chapter 638, was the Commander of American Legion Post 284 in Thomasville, served as Deacon and a member of the Trustee Board with Emmanuel Baptist Church, as well as, devoting countless hours of volunteer time to local organizations.
He is preceded in death by his parents Doak and Rosa and siblings Ronald, Alvin, and Rachel Hudson.
He is survived by his adoring wife Ellanora Hudson; children Kimbelynne Hudson-Cardenas (Manuel), Argentina “Sophy” Mottley (Malcolm), Renae Jones (Darren), and Nairobi Hudson (Dominique); nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; a brother Ronald Goss Hudson (Katherine) and a host of nieces, nephews, and loved ones.
