Hudnall

   Meridian business owner and community advocate Wally Hudnall was the eternal optimist – even up to his final days.    

    “He had such a positive attitude and a strong belief in God,” longtime friend Spike Watts said. “And he never was angry about his illness; he didn’t complain or wanted anyone to feel sorry for him.”

    Hudnall, 65, passed away Friday, after a three-year battle with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) his wife, Dianne, said. Funeral services are today at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church.

    Hudnall and Watts became friends during their years at Meridian High School. Their friendship would span more than four decades, with the two often hunting together as well as competing in Blue Marlin fishing tournaments.

    Watts, who said he was with Hudnall when he first realized his illness, last saw his friend a week ago.

    “You know how you sometimes dread seeing someone when they’re very ill, because you don’t want to see them like that? Well, that wasn’t the case with Wally,” Watts said. “He lifted you up and made you feel better. And, he always smiled.”

    Born in West Point, Hudnall moved to Meridian with his family at age 8, his wife said. He was educated in the Meridian Public Schools, where he played All-American football two consecutive years in high school as a quarterback.

    He was a respected businessman, the owner of two groceries – Hudnall Food Store in Meridian and Piggly Wiggly in Collinsville.

    Hudnall also was involved in the community, having run for mayor as well as several other offices. In 2014, he was appointed to the Civil Service Commission by Mayor Percy Bland to fill the unexpired term of John House. Bland, who reappointed Hudnall to serve on the commission in January, commended his dedication, especially during his illness.

    “He was faithful to the citizens of this city, even as his personal health began to fail him,” Bland said. “Wally Hudnall is remembered today by all who knew him and had the privilege of working with him as an outstanding, outspoken, kind and service minded gentleman – the likes of which are hard to find in today’s world. And on a personal note, my wife, Deidre and I extend prayers to his wife, Dianne, their two daughters and other family members in this time of bereavement.”

    Like his friend Watts, Dianne Hudnall fondly remembers her husband of 29 years for his courage, and his endearing smile.

    “He was a good man, and a great inspiration to many people during his illness,” she said. “Through it all, he continued to smile. We’re going to miss him.”

    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Hudnall’s memory to the ALS Association, P.O. Box 66825, Baton Rouge, LA 70896, or to First Baptist Church Meridian.