“If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain”
John Wesley Fudge, Jr.,, 52, the loving son of John Wesley, Sr. and Ola Mae Fudge, was born on January 10, 1970, in Madison, Fla. Except for the 17 years he lived in Jacksonville, Fla., he was a lifelong resident in his Madison community. He was affectionately called “POP” by all who knew him. John Wesley, Jr.’s father preceded him in death.
Celebration of life services, with COVID-19 restrictions, will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in the sanctuary of New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 503 SW Williams Street, Madison. Earthly bed of slumber: New Antioch AME Church Cemetery, Madison.
Many years ago, POP professed his belief in Jesus Christ, was baptized by faith, and joined his family in worshipping at New Antioch African Methodist Episcopal Church and then New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He later became a member of Faith Christian Center.
POP was a patient, caring, and devoted son and father who was attentive to his family with his selfless acts of love and sacrifice. He always put their needs before his own.
POP was educated in the Madison County Public School System and was a graduate of the Madison County High School Class of 1990.
John Wesley Fudge, Jr. was a hard worker with determination to do his best to get the job done. During his career, he was employed by Food Lion and Watkins before he gained 15 years of experience as a truck driver.
POP loved sports and found a way to keep active by coaching in the local Pee Wee football league. To make certain his team was there for practice, he often went to their houses to pick them up. Many of his little athletes later became Madison County Central School Bronco stars, Madison County High School Cowboy champions, and a few others became college athletes.
Just as passionate as he was for coaching the little ones, so was POP for other sports. During his leisure, his relaxation was shooting billiards/pool. He also enjoyed football, baseball, and basketball on all levels (school, college, and professional). However, it was common knowledge to all who knew him that he was THE ultimate, #1 University of Miami Hurricane fan as well as THE ultimate, #1 Dallas Cowboy fan.
The Lord chose Monday, Oct. 10, 2022, to call John Wesley Fudge, Jr. from labor to reward, and he peacefully entered eternal glory.
He is gone from our presence, but never from our hearts. Mourning his passing while cherishing John Wesley Fudge, Jr.’s memory are his loving children: Areesha S. Fudge, Jah’Quez Fudge and Kendrick (Shirmia) Brown, Sr., all of Jacksonville, Fla.; his devoted mother; Ola Fudge and stepfather; Irvin Hicks, Jr., both of Madison, Fla.; a brother; Irvin Hicks of Tallahassee, Fla; six grandchildren, nephew; Joshua Hicks of Texas; uncles: Willie (Karen) Williams, Eddie (Linda) Fudge and Donnie Fudge; aunts; Joy Wright and Wanda Fudge; great-aunts; Gwendolyn (Joe) Brinson and Carol (James) Lockett; great-uncle; Gordon Abe Ivory; special friend; Sharon Longwood of Tallahassee, Fla.; along with many other loving relatives and countless other sorrowing friends and athletes whose lives he impacted.
Final care and compassionate services are being provided to the Fudge Family, with love, care and uncompromising dignity, by J.P. MOORE MORTUARY & CREMATION SERVICES, Madison, Florida, (850) 973-6677; Jamarien "J.P." Moore, Mortician.