On October 5, 2026, our family lost a very special man, Charles Joseph Hudgins. In the wake of his passing, I want to do something meaningful for the people who loved him most: his wife, Rena, and his children, Rachel, Cierra, Ryan (Joseph), and Josh. With his passing happening as suddenly and unexpectedly as it did, our family was left with little time to prepare for the unexpected expenses that come with losing someone we love so dearly.

My hope is to quietly raise enough funds to give my mother-in-law a beautiful urn to hold his ashes, along with two smaller keepsake urns for my sisters-in-law. Beyond that, I would love to gift each of my in-laws a personalized keepsake that allows them to carry a piece of him with them, wherever life may take them. My vision is to gift the women in his family genuine silver lockets and the men engraved dog tags, each thoughtfully customized with photographs of their loved ones together, his fingerprint, and a meaningful engraved message. These would be more than just jewelry or keepsakes; they would be tangible reminders of the love they shared, the memories they made, and the bond that will never truly be broken.

This is a small, personal effort coming from a place of love. I would love nothing more than to do something meaningful for my family navigating this unimaginable loss, giving them something they can hold close on the difficult days and treasure for the rest of their lives.

Any contribution, no matter the amount, would bring us one step closer to making these keepsakes a reality. Even if you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean more than you know.

Grief is an incredibly difficult journey, and while nothing can ever replace the presence of someone we love, sometimes the smallest things can bring the greatest comfort. My hope is that these keepsakes will serve as a lasting reminder that, even in his absence, Joe’s love, his memory, and the moments they shared will always remain close to their hearts. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read our story and for helping me honor his memory in such a personal and lasting way. ❤️