Funeral services for AZ Hudson of Van Buren, AR were held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 10, 2026 at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ with burial at Antioch Cemetery in Van Buren under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Van Buren.

Mr. Hudson passed away peacefully following a brief illness on Monday, April 6, 2026 in Fort Smith, AR at the age of 87.

He had been a heavy equipment operator all his life. AZ mined coal at Hartford, AR and Shady Point, OK for several years. He was a great example of a hardworking man. AZ was still operating heavy equipment and mowing 14 acres until a week before his passing. He was an avid Oklahoma Sooner fan who received a lot of badgering from his Arkansas friends. More than anything, he loved the Lord and his family very much. He had served as an elder for over 30 years at Rena Road Church of Christ. He was a great example to his family and friends of a Faithful Christian.

AZ is survived by his loving wife, of 67 years, Ruth of the home; two daughters, Cheryl Shoemake and husband Don of Alma and Cathy Johnson and husband Daniel of Van Buren; a son, Kevin Hudson of Van Buren; a brother, Jimmy Hudson of Lehigh, OK; grandchildren, Danielle Johnson, Savannah Garner (Logan) and Jory Johnson; greatg randchildren, Camrie West, Zane West (Sierra), Kirsten Burleson (Austin), Matthias Sanders, Lane Garner, Mylee Garner and Kaden Johnson; great-great grandchildren, Charlee-Mae, Zayden and Hazel, along with many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, AZ and Jimmie Ruth (Farrell) Hudson and brother Billy Joe Hudson.

Pallbearers were Lonnie Myers, Nathan Almond, Joe McCoy, Mike Moxley, John Callahan and Allen Hamilton. Serving as honorary bearers were Charles Blake, Donald Eversole, James Atkins, Butch Floyd and Lester Hopwood.