Robert Welton Hudgins, a respected Searcy attorney, certified public accountant, former Arkansas Supreme Court special judge, and longtime supporter of youth baseball, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the age of 70.
A lifelong Searcy resident, Hudgins spent decades serving his hometown through his legal career, community organizations, and dedication to generations of young baseball players.
His contributions to Searcy extended from the courtroom to local baseball fields, where he helped develop opportunities for young athletes and supported teams competing at state and national levels.
Searcy Native Built Distinguished Legal Career
Hudgins was born November 16, 1955, in Searcy, Arkansas, to Welton and Frances Hudgins.
He graduated from Searcy High School in 1974 before attending the University of Arkansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1978.
He continued his education at the University of Arkansas School of Law, earning his law degree in 1981.
Hudgins established himself as both a practicing attorney and a certified public accountant, developing a reputation for his knowledge of tax law, estate planning, and other legal matters.
He was a member of the Arkansas Bar Association and was respected by colleagues for his legal knowledge and professional integrity.
Appointed to Arkansas Supreme Court
Hudgins’ legal career included 2 special judicial appointments to Arkansas’ highest court.
Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson appointed Hudgins to serve as a special judge for the Arkansas Supreme Court in 2016 and again in 2018.
The appointments recognized his experience and standing within Arkansas’ legal community.
Hudgins also served as a special master for local judges, assisting with legal matters requiring additional expertise.
His professional career reflected decades of service to clients, fellow attorneys, and the Arkansas judicial system.
Decades of Dedication to Searcy Youth Baseball
Beyond his legal career, Hudgins was widely known for his longstanding involvement with Searcy Youth Baseball.
He dedicated countless hours to supporting youth baseball programs, serving in leadership and volunteer roles that included program director, coach, and groundskeeper.
His work helped provide opportunities for generations of Searcy children to learn baseball, develop teamwork, and compete at higher levels.
During his years of involvement, numerous Searcy youth baseball teams advanced to World Series competition, with some winning national championships, according to information provided to ArkansasRadio.com.
Hudgins’ commitment to youth baseball extended beyond White County.
He also served as a national director of Diamond Youth Baseball, an organization supporting youth baseball programs and competition across the country.
His contributions helped make youth baseball an important part of the Searcy community.
Supporter of Searcy High School Athletics
Hudgins was also a familiar presence at Searcy Lions athletic events.
He volunteered as a spotter during Searcy football games and served as the public address announcer for baseball games.
His support for local athletics reflected a lifelong commitment to Searcy schools and the young people participating in sports.
Hudgins was also active in the Kiwanis Club of Searcy, supporting community service initiatives and programs benefiting local families and children.
Family and Community Legacy
Hudgins married Tina Marie Floyd on June 26, 1982.
The couple shared 44 years of marriage and raised 3 children.
He is survived by his wife, Tina Marie Hudgins; daughter Chrissie Prince and her husband, Brandon; son Scott Hudgins and his wife, Haleigh; and son Michael Hudgins and his wife, Yen.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, sister Mary Jo Chambers, brother Mike Hudgins, and numerous extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Welton and Frances Hudgins, and other family members.
Throughout his life, Hudgins remained closely connected to the community where he was born and raised.
His legacy includes his legal service, leadership in youth baseball, support for Searcy athletics, and the relationships he built throughout White County and Arkansas.
Funeral Services Set for Saturday, November 14
Visitation for Robert Welton Hudgins will be held Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 1 PM until 3 PM at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy.
Funeral services will follow at 3 PM at the funeral home.
A private entombment will be held at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
Service location:
Powell Funeral Home
2602 West Beebe-Capps Expressway
Searcy, Arkansas 72143
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Diamond Youth Baseball or the Kiwanis Club of Searcy.
Contributions to the Diamond Youth Baseball Scholarship Fund may be mailed to:
DYB Scholarship Fund
1939 S. Tiffani Avenue
Gonzales, LA 70737
These memorial contributions will honor Hudgins’ lifelong dedication to community service and opportunities for young athletes.
Source: Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Services; Robert Welton Hudgins obituary, White County Citizen
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