David Walker Hudson

david hudson

June 5, 1950 ~ January 19, 2025

Born in: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Resided in: Atlanta, Georgia

David Walker Hudson died peacefully at home in the early hours of January 19, held by his adoring wife Betsy. He was 74 years old.

Dave was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to James E. Hudson and Nancy Walker Cassell, and was a person who lived life to its fullest measure from that moment forward. He had a love of music and new experiences, and his formative years were filled with any and all learning opportunities that came his way.

In the 1960’s, he moved to Berkeley, California, and attended college at UC Berkeley to pursue a degree in physics, while playing as a guitarist in a folk band. After college he lived all over the country for a while, embracing what each place and the people there had to offer. He eventually decided to settle in Georgia, where a lifelong interest in working with optics and cameras led him into the field of filmmaking and video as a shooter, director and producer, until he retired from his own business at age 70.

Highly intelligent and curious about everything, he was a voracious reader from an early age. His interests extended to all subjects including science, astronomy, history, art and architecture, literature, music, mechanics, motorcycles and automobiles, with a special passion for Formula One racing. He loved the graceful competitiveness of fencing for sport, and practiced it into his late 50’s.

During his life, he amassed a vast wealth of knowledge and could converse with authority on almost any subject. His easy going, social nature and ability to relate to people from all walks of life and levels of education produced many long-lasting friendships.

At age 48, Dave found and married his one true love, Betsy. It was the beginning of a joyful partnership of almost 28 years, 26 of them married. Betsy brought artistry, balance and undying love to his life. They enjoyed all aspects of their time on this earth together, constantly learning from each other. Be it traveling, hiking, exploring or spending time with friends and family, they always found ways to have fun and adventure, even in adversity.

David was a truly remarkable human being. A free spirit with sparkling blue eyes, he was wonderfully clever and had a rapier wit that never failed to make someone laugh over a joke, a tale or while he recited the lyrics that he knew to almost every song. Brilliant, handsome, loving, decent, one of a kind, a gentleman and a scholar…this was Dave, a beautiful man.

He met life head-on with intellect, humor and kindness. Cancer took him too soon, but it did not define him. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him.

David is survived by his loving wife Betsy Burts, beloved mother-in-law Elizabeth Sigler Burts, and all of his dearly loved friends who he considered to be his family. He will be missed more than mere words can convey.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to FurKids Atlanta https://furkids.org/ or planting a tree in his memory.

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  1. Carla Johnson says:

    Sending deep compassion for all those who loved David.

  2. Clare Butler says:

    Dave was a warm, compassionate, and caring man. His sparkling sense of humor and his expansive intellect will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Sending love and peace to his family of friends, but most especially to his loving and devoted wife, Betsy. ❤️

  3. Bagriansky says:

    The Bagriansky folks will miss David.

  4. Ann VanSlyke says:

    A lovely, lively man. ❤️

  5. Cara Whitley says:

    Love of those we lose lives on in our memories. Be blessed. We are praying for you.

  6. Jeanie Holland says:

    Dave was one of those special folks who never knew a stranger. He always had a story, a joke or a smile for everyone. He and Betsy are among our closest friends though geography has separated us, we will miss him greatly and we’re so lucky to have known him.

  7. Red says:

    Dave got me through things in just taking time to listen and giving his sage advise, injecting his great humor. One of his super powers. ❤️ Enjoy the great company up there meeting all those you greatly admired.

  8. Mike Malloy says:

    We, the friends and family of David, must now try to fill the void that is left with his passing. And, of course, we cannot. He was a good and decent man, unique in his talent and such a good friend. Peace to his spirit.

  9. Kathy Malloy says:

    A brilliant man with a love of life, adventure, and his soulmate Betsy.

    He lives in the hearts and memories of all who knew him.

    Godspeed- race on!

  10. Wm Culhane, jr says:

    The candle is most likely lighting, the manuscript copy of the Satyricon. David would find that a good read.
    Missed you for some years Dave, but remember you always preferred an exciting race to a dull race. You had a good eye and taste and Betsy. Enough to keep life satisfying.

  11. Cynthia Zarrilli says:

    Tom loved to talk to Dave and they shared so much in common. We will miss his intellect humor and wit.

  12. Melody says:

    My deepest condolences to Betsy and all.
    The world’s loss at his passing.
    Melody

  13. Bob Giolito says:

    A terrific and inspiring human, was privileged to have known him.

  14. Jo Fassnacht says:

    He was one of a kind. I don’t remember the photo but I still have the black and tan checked wool shirt.
    Please let me know when the celebration of life will be.


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