Andre Hudnell

Hudnell  ~ Andre Hudnell passed away and went to Heaven at age 60, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at the Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida. He was born December 29, 1963, in Sanford, Florida and traveled through-out the United States, Europe, and Asia with his parents, Audie and Angeline Hudnell. Through his travels, he gained knowledge of other’s culture, languages and religion and applied such knowledge in his day-to-day activities and contact with others.

First, he was a Christian, turning over his life to God by becoming a dedicated member of New Covenant Ministry under the leadership of Pastor Wally Thomas in 1986. His ministering journey started by serving on the Evangelist Team, counseling youths and a member of the International Ministry Team, spreading the Lord’s word to congregations in undeveloped countries in South America. Andre’s significant trait is that no matter where he travels to outside of this Ministry, he always would find a church to attend.  Over the years, because of career and job responsibilities, Andre relocated to several places. He finally moved back to Jacksonville in 2017 and continued to serve the Lord by becoming a faithful member of Grace Life Church of Mandarin in Jacksonville, Florida under the leadership of Pastor Rocky Morris.  Andre was a Christian Solider until his death, always volunteering for projects that involved ministering to individuals and organizations. As a member of Grace Life’s Prison Ministry Team, he ministered and told his life story to inmates, which changed many lives. Because he wanted his whole life story told, his journey through life does not end here. 

Because of Andre’s Father career in the United States Navy, all his childhood and teenage years were spent living and traveling to places both stateside and overseas. The most memorable places were Pensacola, Florida, Rota Spain and Jacksonville, Florida. During his time in Rota, Andre attended David Glasgow Farragut (DGF) High School where he was an extraordinary athlete. He was a star defensive end on the football team and a member of the 4 X 4 relay track team, which included three of his friends, Bill Boss, Mike Picou and Xavier Carter. This team set a school record that still stands. Andre’s Coach, the late Les West, was a motivator and inspiring leader that placed education before sports. Coach West mentored and instilled in Andre that he would grow-up to be a “special person.” Upon relocating back to the stateside in 1982, Andre attended Fletcher High School his senior year and was a stand-out defensive end on the football team. 

After graduating in 1983 from Fletcher High School, Andre worked at Mayport Naval Base Galley, where he met lifelong friends Ernie Washington, Greg Washington, Hardy Banks, and Mr. Ashley Brown. They adopted him into their families. They shared many experiences after a stressful work week, they took advantage of some of the local social activities and let off the excess energy by break dancing. If you could only see Andre during his break-dancing days – you could not tell him that he was not a good dancer. Andre became a successful Independent Business owner for many years. He owned a Bread Delivery Business and was an Independent Delivery Contractor for FEDEX. Andre worked several jobs until he became medically disable and retired in 2017.

Andre loved his children and raised his family in the eyes of the Lord. He was a devoted father and the Christian Leader of the Hudnell Family. He is survived by his parents, Audie and Angeline Hudnell; children Michael Hudnell, Destiny Hudnell, Justin Hudnell, David Hudnell; one grandson, Xavier Hudnell that he called the shining star of his life; siblings, Anthony Hudnell (Jill), Audie Hudnell, Jr.; a special cousin, La Stacy LaKim McNair that often supported him during his long illness; uncles, Lawrence Brown Sr., Mitch Hudnell, Wille Lee Hudnell; aunts, Nadine Brown, Evelyn Singleton, Joan Heath, Geraldine Black; a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, friends and DGF classmates.

Celebration of Life service for Andre Hudnell will be 12:00PM Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Grace Life Church, 2960 Plummer Cove Road.  Visitation Thursday from 5 – 7:00 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Interment in Restlawn Cemetery, 1818 North 25th Street, Sanford, Florida.   Because of the love of his family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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