Samuel Wise Hudgins Jr., 88, of Mathews, died Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Hampton Veterans Hospital, Hampton, Va.

Samuel was born April 30, 1925, to Samuel Sr. and Maggie Hudgins of Ware Neck, and attended Thomas C. Walker High School, Gloucester, Va.

In 1943, during World War II, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy where after basic training was deployed to the Asiatic-Pacific Region with Allied Forces, and served in three separate Amphibious Beach Landings under enemy fire. While serving for his country he participated in bringing to a conclusion, a two-front war which resulted in the unconditional surrender of the Axis Powers. He was subsequently honorably discharged and awarded the Victory Medal after the war in 1946.

As a family man, father and provider, he worked at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Industry for 32 years as an X36 Rigger and Stage Builder until retiring in 1992.

He was an active member of New Creation Ministries for 14 years.

Samuel is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Hudgins; two sons, Larry and wife (Tracy) Hudgins, Wise Hudgins and fianceé (Jo) Woodard; four grandchildren, Tymeka (Val) Delimda, LaMont Hudgins, LaRon Hudgins and, Deachcy Hudgins;   five great-grandchildren, Brandon Hudgins, Onnia, Cassandra, Eboni Delmida and Devon Swint, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Hudgins, and sister, Ardella M. Hudgins.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 15 at 12 noon at New Creation Ministries, 61 Cobbs Creek Lane, Cobbs Creek, Va.