Rev. James S. Hudley

Reverend James S. Hudley was born November 30, 1942 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina to Robert Hudley and Juanita Robinson Hudley.

He was educated in the public schools of Chesterfield County. He graduated from Longs High School in Cheraw, South Carolina in 1962. Upon graduation, he attended Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina and later attended Florence-Darlington Technical College. He enlisted in the military in 1964 and served until 1966 in the United States Army.

Reverend Hudley loved the Lord and accepted Christ at a young age. He was baptized at Bethesda Baptist Church in Society Hill, South Carolina. He began preaching at the age of 16 and was ordained by the Pee Dee Association to do the work of the gospel ministry at Calvary Baptist Church, Florence, South Carolina in 1971.

Over his 53 years of pastoring, Reverend James S. Hudley pastored at many churches. He had churches in Lee County, Kershaw County, Chesterfield County, and Clarendon County.

He served on the Executive Board of the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina while Reverend Dr. James Blasingame was President, 2013 – 2018.

Reverend Hudley was the pastor of Mustard Seed Baptist Church, Bishopville, South Carolina and served his congregation until his health declined in May of 2022. During his illness, the late Reverend Ethel K. Grinkley, Associate Pastor at Mustard Seed Baptist Church, took over as Interim Pastor until her passing in February 2023.

His favorite scripture was Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings, Robert Hudley, Helen Brown and Sarah Ellen Robinson; and a niece, Shirley Ann Gillard. 

Reverend Hudley is survived by his wife, Lucille Dargan Hudley of the home; three children, Byron Jerome Hudley, who everyone knows was his heart, Sabrina H. (Reginald), both of Florence, South Carolina and Samuel L. Dewitt of Society Hill, South Carolina; and one sister, Betty Hudley DeLand of Sumter, South Carlina.

Rev. Hudley was blessed with two grandchildren, Anja Re’gine Derry and Harlan Brooks Derry, whom he loved and enjoyed doing whatever he could for them. He delighted in spending time with his godchildren, Christopher Patrick Nesmith of Charlotte, North Carolina, De’Vonte Nesmith of Norfolk, Virginia and Kyley McMillion of Mount Croghan, South Carolina. He is also survived by a special nephew, Tyrus Harris of Florence, South Carolina who was a blessing to the family during his illness, a special family member, Aubra  (Pert) Ellis and their children of Waterbury, Connecticut whom he held close to his heart. In addition, he is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Please keep the family of Reverend James S. Hudley in your thoughts and prayers.