Obituary of Thomas Warner Hudson, Jr.

Thomas Warner Hudson, Jr., a true southern gentleman, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather died on November 21, 2018 in Chapel Hill, NC.

Tom was born on February 25, 1924 to Thomas Warner Hudson, Sr. and Lily Henriksen Hudson in Pascagoula, MS. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Laura Marie Stebbins and Nell Louise Blankenship and his brother, Rev. Carl Allen Hudson. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary Jones Hudson, his children; Dr. Thomas Warner Hudson, III of Yorba Linda, CA, The Honorable Robin Hudson (Victor Farah) of Raleigh, NC, Edward Alliston Hudson of New York City, Kenneth David Hudson (Rachel Mann) of Wilmington, NC, stepdaughters; Pamela Owen Watkins and Gay Owen Whaley of Reidsville, NC; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; sister-in-law Dottie Leavell Hudson of Jackson, MS and many nieces and nephews.

Following his graduation from Pascagoula High School, Tom began his study of accounting at The University of Alabama. As a part of the V12 program, the Navy transferred him to The University of North Carolina where he received his commission in 1945 and was assigned to active duty on The USS Lexington in the Sea of Japan.

After the end of the war, Tom returned to UNC to finish his studies and start his 38 year career with the international accounting firm of Deloitte (formerly Haskins & Sells). Tom began as an accountant in the New Orleans office of Haskins & Sells. He rose through the ranks to become a Partner in the Firm in Atlanta, GA. In 1966 he moved to Greensboro, NC to open an office in that city as Partner-In-Charge. During his time in Greensboro, Tom hired and mentored a large staff of accountants, many who went on to very successful careers with the Firm and in the private sector.

In what he thought would be the close of his career, Tom moved to New York City to manage the mergers and acquisition practice for the Firm. This turned out to be the beginning of a new career. After he retired from Deloitte in 1984, he joined Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co. Here he found new and exciting ways to use the experiences gained from his years with Deloitte – he had found his niche. He worked with KKR&Co. for twelve years before retiring again in 1996. He and Mary traveled extensively and particularly enjoyed European River Cruises with friends. Golf clubs were routinely part of the baggage and they played many of the old courses in Scotland and Ireland. Tom was an avid photographer and always made photograph albums of their travels.

He was a member of Jupiter Hills Club in Florida, Governor’s Club in Chapel Hill and Old Chatham Golf Club in Durham, NC which he helped found and where he held the distinction of being the oldest member.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Tequesta, FL and attended the University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill when in residence at their summer home.

Along with his business activities, Tom also served on many company boards, including Franklin Street Partners (1996 – 2016), Duracell International, Inc., Nabisco Group Ltd. and many others. Tom founded Greystone Investments, LLC as a vehicle to facilitate his many philanthropic endeavors. He truly loved his work. He was the consummate professional and a true friend to everyone with whom he associated.

Memorial services are scheduled for 2:00PM on December 8, 2018 at University Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to either the First Presbyterian Church of Tequesta, 482 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL, 33469 or University Presbyterian Church, 209 East Franklin Street, PO Box 509, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.