Horace Lee “Kilowatt” Hudgins, 71, of Ocilla, Georgia, died Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, Georgia.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Ocilla Church of God in Ocilla, Georgia, with the Rev. Josh Bowles, and the Rev. Rex Johnson officiating. Judge Bill Reinhardt, Patrick Hudgins, and Greg Hudgins will give eulogies. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the services. Private interment will be in New Prospect Community Church Cemetery in Ware County, Georgia. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Friday evening at Ocilla Church of God.
Mr. Hudgins was born July 4, 1952, in Heflin, Alabama, to the late Houston Isaiah “Buck” Hudgins and Inez Hanvey Hudgins Gill. He was a graduate of Cleburne County High School in Alabama. He had a long and distinguished 43-year career with the Georgia Power Company. He worked the ranks from substation construction to meter reader and lineman and worked his way up to local manager. He served on the Homerville City Council, was a member of the Clinch County Volunteer Fire Department, board member of Colony Bank and the Georgia Sheriff’s Association, and a Past Assistant Governor and Club President of Rotary International. Mr. Hudgins owned and operated the Ocilla Video Shack, Power Haul of Georgia, and Kilowatt Consulting. He served as County Manager for Turner County and was currently serving as Mayor of Ocilla. An avid community supporter, he helped to establish Legislative Day in Ocilla and many events surrounding Tater Day. He was an advocate for South Georgia and whether golfing or hand shaking, he always had a smile. He was an active member of the Ocilla Church of God where he was instrumental in establishing the Exodus Program and an avid supporter of the church’s golf tournament which raised money for mission trips.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kim J. Hudgins of Ocilla; children: Kimberly Ann Hudgins and her fiance’, Dag Grantham of Waverly, Horace Gregory Hudgins & Leyna of Haddock, and Patrick Ashton Hudgins & Amanda of Ambrose; step-son, Garrett Lee Daniel & Rachel of Manor; grandchildren: Gage Daniel, Hannah Pittman, Luke Daniel, Paisley Hudgins, Kyler Hudgins, Sevi Hudgins, Elle Hudgins, Cruz Hudgins, Maggie Hudgins, Lennon Hudgins, and Greer Hudgins; a sister, Judy Brown of Woodland, Alabama; and two brothers: Tommy Gill of Ashville, Alabama and Charles Hudgins of Alabama. Many nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters: Dura Riddle, Betty Lou Duncan, Mickey Johnson, and Dorothy Smith; and a brother, Sam Hudgins.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Ocilla Church of God, P.O. Box 611, Ocilla, GA 31774 to benefit the Exodus Program or to the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes Foundation, 3000 Hwy 42 N, McDonough GA 30253.