Fletcher Lahugh Hudson

FLETCHER LAHUGH HUDSON, age 87 of Athens, Tenn. passed away Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. He was born in Chattanooga and grew up in Athens. He and his family lived in Memphis until they moved back to Athens in 2005 upon retirement. Fletcher was husband to Frances Orton, his high school sweetheart for 68 years and father to Kathy, Jon and James.

Fletcher was a prominent management-side labor and employment attorney in Memphis. His career included working for the National Labor Relations Board, founding a labor law partnership McKnight Hudson where he was senior partner, engaging in federal appellate litigation and personally arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court. Before his retirement, he was of counsel at Baker, Donelson. In recognition of professional distinction, integrity and high ethical standards, he was named a Fellow, Tennessee Bar Foundation and a Tennessee Bar Association Senior Counselor. He was also recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America for labor and employment law. He served as the national editor of Employment Law in the 50 States. While in Athens, he acted as the President of the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum and served on its board of directors.

He leaves behind his wife Frances Louise Orton Hudson of Athens, his daughter Kathy Hudson Zrike and David Zrike of Ridgewood NJ and son James Fletcher Hudson of Union Bridge, Md. He is beloved by his 9 grandchildren Caroline, Abigail, Beth, Joshua, Sarah, Fletcher, Mary Kate, Stephanie and Craig as well as his 3 great grandchildren, Avery, Scarlett and Haddie. He will also be missed by his remaining siblings Dr. Cynthia Norris of Athens, Mary Coker of Letohatchee, AL and Douglas Hudson of Cleveland and many nieces and nephews. He joins in death his son Jon Roger Hudson, his daughter in law Ellen Fischer Hudson, his parents the Rev. David L. and Juanita Morgan Hudson, his brothers David Leigh, Spencer, Joe and George.

A memorial service will be at 3 pm Saturday, November 14th at the Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home in Athens with his nephew Bruce Coker officiating. Visitation will commence at 2 pm. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN (http://www.stjude.org/donatetoday) and to the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum in Athens.

Those unable to attend may send condolences to https://www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/fletcher-hudson

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.