Lougene “Gene” Hudgins, 79, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on August 15, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Summerville, Ga., Gene later made Chattanooga his lifelong home. He lived a life defined by strength, humor, and kindness. Known for his quick wit, his love of blues music, and his fondness for desserts, Gene brought joy and laughter wherever he went. He began life as a sharecropper and later worked as an auto body technician and machinist at U.S. Pipe, earning respect for his hard work and willingness to help anyone in need.

He is survived by his wife, Susan McWhorter Hudgins; his children, Gale Hudgins and Lisa Etchinson; and by the children he lovingly raised: Larry A. Epps, Tyrone Epps, Marcus McWhorter, Corey McWhorter, and daughter in law Luciana McWhorter.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly, including Monza Sneed, Ocellia (Brandon) Whatley Raulston, Pladys Sneed, Robin Sneed, Hiwatha Haywood, Terry Haywood, Tiffany Hudgins, Jana Hudgins, Lesli Hudgins, Ashley Hudgins, and Rollin Hudgins. His great nephews and great nieces include Allen Whatley Bradley Sneed, Canaan Whatley, and Ariana Whatley. He adored all of them, especially Canaan, who reminded him of his beloved sister Lillie.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Allie and Allen Lougene Hudgins, and by all 14 of his siblings, of whom he was the last to ascend to heaven: twin sisters, Dorthy Ann Thompson and Georgia Ann Stewart, Ardella Shropshire, Lillie Sneed, John Henry Perry, Richard Perry, Allan Louie Hudgins Jr., Atlas Hudgins, Sue Mae Baker, Elaine Hudgins, Janice Hudgins, Darnell Prater, and Louise Bush. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Henry Sneed and his nephew, Johnny William Sneed.

Gene will be remembered for his heartfelt jokes, his generosity, and his enduring kindness.

Public viewing will begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23, followed by the funeral service at 12 p.m., in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.