Obituary of Thomas Rodney Hudgins Jr.

After a courageous two year battle with multiple myeloma cancer, Thomas Rodney Hudgins Jr. 50, of Newbury Park, CA was welcomed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on October 29th, 2015. Tom was born June 8,1965 in Marin County to Thomas Rodney Hudgins Sr. and Diana Hudgins. His family lived in Huntington Beach, CA until 1978 when they moved to Newbury Park, CA. Tom attended Newbury Park High School and graduated in 1984. At age 18, he began working for Conejo Unified School District. He later transferred to Las Virgenes School District where he finished his career, after 20 years as a plant manager. As well as being a plant manager, he also operated his own business, T. Hudgins Commercial Cleaning. Tom was a hard working and dedicated man who held several jobs to provide for his family. In 1992 while working at Agoura High School, he met his wife Karen Bachman who was coaching the softball team. They were married on August 27th 1994 and eventually had four beautiful children. Tom was a great husband and father and could often be seen coaching or cheering for his kids at their sporting events. He also loved spending quality time barbequing for friends and family and sharing a good laugh. He was viewed as a father figure by many and was always available to help others through life struggles. In 2004 God gave Tom a vision for a new business. He followed God’s leading and opened Filthy Grill Barbecue Cleaning Company. He was a proud business owner and he loved his work. Tom continued to operate his company until 2013 when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer and kidney failure. Throughout his illness he always had a positive attitude and still was able to look at the needs of others. He loved God and always wanted to share his faith. Although Tom knew his cancer had no cure, he always had peace knowing that he would one day be with Christ. Tom’s heroism and strength will be forever etched in our memories. We are grateful for the example he left us of trusting God in all circumstances. We are comforted knowing that he is now at peace and no longer suffering. His family and friends will miss him dearly. The Hudgins family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks for all the love and support we have received throughout this difficult journey. Tom would want you to remember him with a happy heart and a smile. Tom is survived by his wife Karen Hudgins, his four children, Naomi, Noah, Natalie and Nathanael, his father, Thomas Hudgins Sr., his sister Julie Barry and his two brothers, Blake and Craig Hudgins and many more relatives and friends. We will be having a service to honor his life on November 21st at 3 p.m at The Bridge Church at 999 Rancho Conejo Blvd. Newbury Park, CA 91320 with a reception following. We would count it a privilege if you would come and celebrate Tom’s life with us.