DR. GEORGE EDWARD HUDSPETH

George Edward Hudspeth was born January 15, 1944 to the union of Olyn and Corinne Hudspeth in St. Louis, MO. He was the third child born to this union.  Both parents and three brothers, Barry, Bruce Michael, and John preceded him in death.

He attended the St. Louis Public School System, graduating from Vashon High School in 1962. After graduation, he attended the now Harris-Stowe State University and Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville (East St. Louis Campus) and became a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Later, he graduated from University of Missouri - St. Louis with an undergraduate degree in Accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 1974.

George was an excellent student and lifelong learner. In 1993, he earned his Masters Degree in Information Systems at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville.  He furthered his education and achieved his certification in Project Management. At the tender age of 73, he earned his Doctorate of Divinity in Christian Counseling at Dwight McDaniels Theological Seminary (DMTS), becoming Dr. George Hudspeth.

George was one of the first black Certified Public Accountants in the City of St. Louis. He was employed with Ernst & Ernst CPA firm (now Ernst & Young Global Limited) and in 1975, he established his own CPA firm, George Hudspeth, CPA. In 1977, he joined Banks, Finley, White & Company of Memphis, TN and became partner of the firm. Over the course of his career, his expertise extends to many corporations, including Ken Toomer, CPA, Central Medical Center, Lewis and Clark Community College, Southwestern Bell (now AT&T), Power Financial, MDJ Contracting Inc., Above Only Enterprises, LLC and Five Units, LLC (a Hudspeth Family Corporation), and spans over 6 decades.

George was united in Holy matrimony to Derotha Gray on July 18, 1965.  To this union were four children; thirteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. One granddaughter preceded him in death.

George accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and united with San Francisco Temple COGIC (now San Francisco Temple Christian Assembly), under the pastorate of Bishop Dwight H. McDaniels, Jr. in 1972. He was a devoted member and deacon until he moved his family from St. Louis, MO to Memphis, TN in 1977.  He joined Williams Temple COGIC under the leadership of Superintendent R. L. Williams, Jr.  Later, he returned to St. Louis in 1982, serving again under Bishop McDaniels as a Deacon, Minister and ordained Elder.  He worked faithfully in the church serving as Sunday School teacher, YPWW teacher, Youth Director, and Annual Men's Day Coordinator. Under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Luther J. Blackwell, he was further ordained as Ruling Elder and served as a member of the Wellness Ministry Team.  He moved from St. Louis, MO to Dallas, TX in October 2022 and joined Grace Cathedral COGIC under the leadership of Superintendent Nathaniel L. Green.

Elder Hudspeth loved his faith, family, and food.  He loved the Lord and he exemplified a true warrior for Christ. He loved to praise God and rejoiced in the Lord every chance he could. He even rejoiced across the stage when he graduated with his Masters Degree.  He was a praying man. He prayed with his family every morning before anyone left the house.  He stopped and prayed when his children's friends came over and before they left. He led prayer at every family gathering and he prayed at the beginning and end of every family business meeting.  He prayed before anyone traveled on the road or plane. When praying over the Thanksgiving dinner, he would pray so long that when he was done, his family would say, "Merry Christmas, everyone!"

Dr. George, affectionately known by his children as "Deddy", was a very dedicated husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend.  He saw the good in everyone.  He would not allow anyone to speak ill of another person in his presence.  He was a natural mentor and took the time to train and correct everything that was out of order. He poured mightily into each family member individually and made everyone feel special. And yet, he had enough to pour into everyone else that crossed his path. He impacted many, many lives with the life he lived before the Lord at home and abroad.

The biggest mystery to everyone is how much this man could eat, yet he never gained weight. At family gatherings, he was known for piling his plate, sampling every single dish, and eating it all.  Sometimes, he would start his meal with the dessert because he said, "The rapture may come and I might not get to eat my dessert if I wait until the end."

God chose to call Elder Hudspeth home on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 12:46 pm surrounded by family. The legacy of George's kind spirit, passion, love, and zest for life will live on through his family and the lives he touched.

George leaves to cherish his memory a faithful and loving wife, Derotha; two sons, George, Jr. of Savannah, GA and Terrance of St. Louis, MO; two beautiful daughters, Pamela Turner and Monica (Jonathan) Mayberry; one brother, Olyn, Jr. (Brenda) of O'Fallon, IL; one sister, Carolyn (Andrew) Jackson of St. Louis, MO; two brothers-in-law, Lemond Gray, Charles (Carolyn) Gray; five sisters-in-law, Annette (Selwyn) Williams, Joyce Gray of East St. Louis, IL, Charlotte Gray of Atlanta, GA, Helen Hudspeth of St. Louis, MO, and Gilda Smith; twelve grandchildren, George III (Brianna), Terrance II, Alexis, Michelle, T'kai, Gemir, Kevin, Micayla, Aubrey, Brandon, Shanequia, Amariah; eleven great-grandchildren, Aurielle, Nevaeh, Deareon, Jayden, Elojah, Marc, Mar'Caisa, Brayden, Kier, Zada and Brandon, Jr.; host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.