William Dowell Hudson, age 75

William Dowell Hudson, 75, died on January 7, 2022, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Dowell was born on March 22, 1946, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to the late Paul Judson Hudson and Claudia Wright Hudson. He was raised there with his siblings, the late Paul Wright Hudson and Carolyn Elizabeth Carr.

He graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1964, attended Arkansas State University where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas (Monticello). He continued his education with classes at the Wharton School of Business and the Rotman School of Management Executive Program at the University of Toronto.

He began his career as a chemistry teacher at Pine Bluff High. His corporate career started in 1996 in Little Rock. Several corporate moves were made during the next thirty-five years – Houston, Texas; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Carmel, Indiana; and Toronto, Canada. During this time, Dowell served on the Boards of Directors of North American Energy Standards, Ontario Energy Trading, Ontario Power Generation Energy Trading, and Ontario Energy Trading International Corporation. After his many adventures and moving back to Arkansas, he retired as an expert in global energy markets. He served as a mentor and advisor to many in the field.

Dowell will always be remembered for his warm hospitality, optimism, kindness to all, and devotion to his family, including his beloved pets. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, and neighbor. His generosity was legendary. He was a proud member of the Pine Bluff High School Class of 1964 and enjoyed all of the class reunions and frequent gatherings. His classmates and friends for over 70 years describe him as a kind, gentle man, lifelong friend to so many, southern gentleman, and always admired. He loved sports, old Westerns, reading, volunteering, and golf. As a devout follower of Christ, he was a member of Westrock Baptist Church and a lifelong student of the Gospel of Paul.

Dowell is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 54 years, Sandy Work Hudson, his daughter Ginny Hudson Blankenship (Drew) and his grandson, Samuel Hudson Blankenship. Dowell’s family was very important to him. He was very proud of Ginny and loved being a grandfather to Sam who had the special name of “Buddy” for his grandfather.

A graveside service will be held at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff on Friday, January 28, 2022, at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be after the service at the home of Ted and Jessica Drake, 901 West 35th, Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Condolences can be made at A Natural State Funeral Home, Jacksonville, AR.

Memorials may be made to Arkansas Alzheimer’s Association, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, AR or CARTI Foundation, P.O. Box 55011, Little Rock, AR 72215.

Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service. 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400.

Online guestbook: www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com