Hudson "Cuter" Bates, Sr. went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, August 9, 2011. Cuter was born October 2, 1936 in Bayou La Batre, Alabama to the late Rollie Robert & Anna Augusta Seaman Bates. Cuter was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother.

Hudson married Eunice Wilson Bates and they settled in Palacios, Texas to raise a family. He made his living on the waters of Matagorda Bay as a Fisherman/Shrimper for 56 years. He was awarded the Chamber of Commerce Marine Related Man of the year award in 1991 and in 1980, 81, 82 and 84 he was honored with the award for being the top producing boat on Matagorda Bay. His passions in life were his family, hunting, spending time at deer camp and serving the lord.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 ½ years, Eunice Wilson Bates; children Cheryle Todd, Rhonda Glenn, Hudson Bates, Jr. & wife Linda, Velenda Brune & husband Terry, Brian Bates, Sr. & wife Candice; 17 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren with one on the way; and brother Dexter "Tunce" Bates. Three brothers Jack, Tooker, & Hokey Bates all preceded him in death.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 7PM to 9PM Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Friday, August 12, 2011 at the Palacios Funeral Home with Bro. Terry Brune officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Allen Morrison, Jr., Russell Morrison, John Rollie Glenn, Hudson Merle Bates, Wayne Brune, & Brian Bates, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Nelo Seaman, Ted Bates, Jr., W. C. Greenlaw, Blackie Longoria, Douglas Callais, Lenny Kunefke, Frederick Woodland & John Glenn, Jr. Memorials may be made to National Kidney Foundation, North Texas Regional Office, 5429 LBJ Frwy, Ste. 250, Dallas, TX 75240-2617.