Roger Hudson: No Ordinary Dad

Roger Hudson is no ordinary dad but having him for a dad always seemed normal. What some people saw as aggressive and unruly, I saw as passionate and standing up for what’s right even when that means standing alone or sometimes getting arrested if you’re Roger Hudson. 

My dad was born to mill workers in a poor southern town in the early 1950s. His father couldn’t read or write. He was one of six kids who grew up in a small two bedroom house. He graduated second from the bottom of his high school class and was put into a category to fail by most teachers. He didn’t go to college, but instead he got a job building swimming pools. He saved his money and bought a backhoe and started a business.  

I thought we were poor when I was little because he was always working and we lived a very modest lifestyle. As a kid, I wanted my dad to be like other dads and wear collared shirts ,play golf and show up at my dance recitals. As an adult, there is no one on earth I have more admiration and respect for that he wasn’t your average dad.

The thing I admire most about my dad is that he has always remained true to who he is. He stands up for what is right and often ignores consequences for doing so. He could care less if people like him yet everyone loves him. He always pulls for the underdog because he himself was an underdog. He doesn’t care about appearances or try to keep them up. He gives everyone he meets a fair shot. He can go from Jesus Christ to Clint Eastwood is 2 seconds flat if you mess with someone he loves. He is fiercely loyal. He is a trail blazer who pushes the limits and views rules as a mere suggestion. He is a brilliant business man who holds no degrees. He sees misfortune and mistakes as lessons learned. He keeps an open mind and is open to accepting new ideas and opinions. He can express his thoughts without having to argue and he doesn’t hold grudges. However, when he calls someone “partner” or “cowboy” you better watch out because the situation is about to get real.  

There is a running joke in my family that my dad always wanted a son just like him but got a daughter instead. That would be me. I am somewhat the “Roger Whisperer” in the family and for no other reason than I am so much like him. Being like Roger Hudson hasn’t always been the easier-softer way but it sure does keep life interesting.

So, here’s to you Dad. Thanks for not being a collared shirt wearing, golf playing, bourbon drinking Dad, but instead a hardworking, crocs wearing, old pick-up truck driving Dad who is my very own super hero! You are like the most badass person I know.