COMPANY MOURNS THE PASSING OF LIFE MEMBER J. WALLACE HUDSON

Saturday, March 2, 2024

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Life Member/ Past President J. Wallace Hudson or Wally as he was known around the station. Wally was a devoted member of the Clayton Fire Company for well over five decades. At the time of his passing, Mr. Hudson was our oldest living member at 98 years old. He was a respected leader and his contributions to the company will never be forgotten.

Wally joined the Clayton Fire Company in 1968 after doing stints in the Singerly Fire Co. of Elkton Md and Community Fire Co. of Millington Md.  He was also an Honorary Member of the Citizens Hose Co. Of Smyrna.  Wally served as a fire policeman with the Clayton Fire Company for many years. Wally had always been very active in everything he undertakes and the fire service was no different. After moving to the area he immediately became active in the fire company. Through the years he had held many jobs and positions. He had held the offices of President, Vice President, Director of Equipment, Director of Finance and has served on numerous committees. Wally is the only person in the history of the Clayton Fire Company to be Awarded the title of President Emeritus.  He had received numerous awards through the years. He was twice named the Fireman of the Year Award for the company, the Kent County Fire Policeman of the Year, State of Delaware Fire Policeman of the Year Award, Kent County Fireman of the Year Award, DVFA Fireman of the Year Award, Millington Vol. Fire Co. Fireman of the Year Award, the Jefferson Award for Public Service.

Wally was not only very involved in the fire service but spent many years as the Scout Master for his local Boy Scout Troop #239. He was also a long standing member of the Ewell's St. Paul United Methodist Church in Clayton.  He lists his hobbies as working with any type of puzzles.  He is proceeded in passing by his wife of 62 years Bertha who was an active member of our ladies auxiliary.  Wally and Bertha had 3 sons; Steve who is a Life Member and Past President of the Clayton Fire Company, Mark is also a Life Member of the Clayton Fire Company and their son Barry.

Services are Friday March 8, 2024 with a viewing from 1000-1200 hours and then a memorial service at 1200 hours at the fire station. Interment will be on Saturday March 9, 2024 as a private family service.

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