Hugh Henry Bodden, Sr.

Hugh Henry Bodden Sr, age 84, was reunited with his beautiful wife and family in heaven on January 14, 2026. Hugh was the remaining survivor of a large and loving family with a strong maritime history in our area. Hugh is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Udean Gordon Bodden; parents, William Thomas Bodden, Sr. and Sue Canfield Bodden; siblings, Norma Sue Bodden Byrd, William Thomas Bodden, Jr., and Mary Katherine Bodden Allen. Hugh was born in Pascagoula, MS on November 24, 1941, the third child to Willie and Susie Bodden. Hugh always shared fond memories of his early childhood on Pine Street, playing with friends and attending Lake School. The family relocated to the beautiful "Lover's Lane" area of Griffin Street in Moss Point in 1956, from where so many memories can be recalled and shared by the entire family. Hugh graduated from Moss Point High School where he was a standout on the football field, earning him a football scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi. It was also at Moss Point High where he met his future bride and love of his life, Udean. Hugh and Udean were married on January 11, 1963 at First Presbyterian Church in Pascagoula. They lived in Moss Point, where they shared their life together until Udean's passing in 2022. Hugh was a faithful employee of International Paper, where he cultivated many lifelong friendships, until his retirement. Hugh and Udean's lives revolved around their two boys, Hugh Jr. and Lance, spending their time fishing and attending sporting events and other activities. The family were active members of First Baptist Church of Moss Point and later the couple attended First Presbyterian Church in Pascagoula. Hugh truly possessed a servant's heart and spent many years leading Sunday school classes for the residents of local nursing homes and visiting the elderly. After he retired from IP, Hugh never sat still, enjoyed being a visitor to many, and, as his wife said, he "always had a project". He built furniture, crafted boats, baked pound cakes, created art, built gardens, and whatever else he could get his hands on, often gifting his work to others. Hugh was a pillar in his community, loving and proud of any and all things Moss Point, walking the streets of town, knowing most everyone, and never meeting a stranger. His two grandchildren, Maxwell and Madeline, stole his heart. Hugh truly loved spending time with them, attending school functions and faithfully supporting them in their activities and sporting events. Mee Maw and Paw Paw, as they were affectionately known, were a blessing to their grandchildren. Hugh also provided love and dedicated care to his wife throughout her lengthy battle with dementia. Psalm 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants." Hugh is survived by his sons, Hugh Henry Bodden, Jr., and Lance (Shelly) Gordon Bodden, and two beloved grandchildren, Maxwell Taylor Bodden and Madeline Isabel Bodden, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. The family would like to extend their most sincere and eternal gratitude to Ms. Sonya Adkins, faithful caregiver, and her sons Tristian, Tyler, and Carson, as well as her employees of Tender Kare, for their genuine love and care. They would also like to thank Gentiva Hospice of Lucedale for their support and dedication to his care. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Pascagoula on Thursday, January 29, at 11:00am, with visitation starting at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Resurrection Catholic School, where he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren as they attended school through the years, or a charity or church of choice.

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Hugh Henry Bodden, Sr.

November 24, 1941 - January 14, 2026