Obituary: Willie Hudgins, 72

(Updated 4:40 p.m. Monday with time and location of memorial service)

Willie L. Hudgins, Jr., accomplished lawyer and beloved husband of Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins died Saturday, April 11. He was 72 years old.

Willie was born March 5, 1943, in LaCrosse, VA.cAfter attending both undergraduate and law school at Howard University, he and the Hudgins family moved to Reston. They have lived in Reston since 1969.

Mr. Hudgins’ professional life spanned 39 years working as the Section Chief and chief litigator for the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice. During that time, he worked on some of the largest merger antitrust cases in U.S. history and was recognized by Black Enterprise Magazine as one the leading minority litigators in the country. He went on to join the law firm of Kelley Drye as a partner before retiring in 2007.

In conjunction with his professional career, Willie was also a dedicated member of the community.  His service included volunteering for such organizations as: Rising Stars, an education program for young students; The South Lakes High School Tutoring Program; Former Chairman of the Reston Community Center Board of Governors; Member of the Covenants Committee for Reston Association; Commissioner of Reston Soccer; and an usher at St. Thomas à Becket Catholic Church.

Willie is survived by Cathy, his wife of 48 years, and his two sons, Tony and Michael.

There will be a public memorial service on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m. at St. Thomas a Becket, 1421 Wiehle Ave. in Reston. In lieu of flowers, the family requests people consider making contributions to the Brain Injury Foundation, the Initiative to Prevent and End Homelessness and/or So Other Might Eat (SOME).

Willie Hudgins Jr./Family photo