Donald Gray Hudson

Donald G. Hudson, affectionately known to some as “Big Don,” passed away in his sleep on October 7, 2023 at the age of 86 at his home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. His battle with numerous health issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life’s challenges. Despite his pain, Don stayed strong until the end and came out a hero.

Don met the love of his life, his saintly wife Margaret, while living across the street from Parkland Court apartments in District Heights in 1948. In 1955 he graduated from Suitland High School. Soon after in 1956 he and Margaret married and together had six children, all boys: Mike, Greg, Dana, Todd, Brad and Joel. Don had 12 grandchildren (eight girls and four boys) and nine great- grandchildren (two girls and seven boys). Whether at home or on the road, he loved spending time with family regardless of the setting or occasion.

Sports were a big part of Don’s life. He loved to watch, follow and discuss pro sports with anyone, primarily baseball, basketball and football. He coached youth baseball (including his sons) and men's softball for decades, even playing softball himself into his 60s. He ran the Calvert County 35 and over men’s softball league for decades and was inducted into the Washington Metropolitan Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame as a manager.

Don, along with his two brothers, Fred and Wayne, ran a commercial and industrial motor oil and lubricant business for many years, named PennDower Petroleum Company. They had a large and wide ranging customer base throughout the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region including even the White House, the Capitol, the Museums, D.C. government, etc..

Don had a passion for ice cream, pies and anything sweet. Whether a holiday, birthday or just a regular weekend get together, he was eager to know where the desserts were located and what they were. Now we know he’s sitting back relaxed with his feet up, enjoying his pie in the sky.

The Hudson family would very much appreciate donations to Donald's funeral expenses through GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/bf7f2048. Thank you. 

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