Freddie Lee Hudson, passed away at the age of 64 on Monday, January 22, 2018. Freddie was a local math teacher and coach. Born Oct. 12, 1953, Freddie and his family moved here when Freddie was just one, from Ashburn, GA. He began his coaching career in JV Football and Track and Field at Springstead High.
He spent 38 years as a teacher and coach, helping the Eagles to earn 11 conference titles, four districts crowns, and a region championship. In 2002 he was named Coach of the Year in the All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, when the Eagles went to county and GCAC titles.
Freddie was an athlete in his own right, graduated from Hernando High School in 1971. There he played football, drums in the band, and track and field, holding the shot put record at the school. He left long enough to attend college at Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, where he was a member of the marching band as well as the choir.
Many Hernando County residents or their children may remember being in his class or on his team. Coach Hudson’s players knew him as encouraging, helpful and soft spoken. The advice he gave, as one former student posted on his tribute wall, “was something I was able to put into use in my adult life, and I thought of him often.” Many former students indicated on social media that Mr. Hudson was their favorite teacher. In addition to his students the fellow teachers, coaches, and administration he worked with over the years showed tribute to him, sharing fond memories and how much he made a difference to many. He made a positive impression on so many teenagers in Hernando County and instilled them with positive lessons that they have carried on into adulthood.
I had the pleasure of corresponding with his nephew who is also a local teacher. He described his uncle as, “an amazing man, who served the Lord until his last breath.” Freddie’s father was a Minister and his mother was a Missionary. Following in his father’s footsteps he was a pastor of Healing Temple Church in Brooksville. He and his wife Annie were married for 39 years. They had one son, many grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Freddie was quick with a smile, treated everyone with respect, and in return was respected by all. He made a positive impression on not only teenagers but so many others that were fortunate enough to come in contact with him. The positive lessons he instilled in his students are ones that they have carried on into adulthood.
Freddie was not only a great coach but an extraordinary person who leaves behind a great legacy. While completing my research I came across a quote from him in an old newspaper, he used in describing his Springstead Track team.
“If they continue to improve and their attitude stays straight, there’s all kinds of potential.” While this quote is in reference to a track meet, it appears he encouraged many with his positive words, and making sure each person he came in contact with knew their worth and pushed them to reach their potential.