Our Staff

Our funeral home staff is comprised of many familiar faces through the communities we serve.  Many family and friends find comfort when greeted at the door by a friend, past co-worker or neighbor.  That is just one of many positive attributes that make up Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home’s commitment to service.

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Jay Hudson - Owner/Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer


Jay was raised in Bridgeport by his grandparents, Alvin and Dorothy Largent. Following graduation from Bridgeport High School in 1991, he attended Weatherford College and The Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, graduating with academic achievement in 1995.  He began his career with Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst and has worked in the funeral industry since that time, most recently with Greenwood Funeral Home in Fort Worth.  Jay and his high school sweetheart, Wendy, have been married for 22 years; they live in Paradise with their daughters, Makenna (17) and Mallorie (12), and attend Paradise United Methodist Church. 

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Brian Torres - Owner/Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer


Brian is the youngest son of Salvador (Chito) and Nita Torres.  He graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1988 and attended Weatherford College and The Dallas Institute of Funeral Service.  After graduating in 1990, he moved to Oklahoma to begin his career; ultimately, Brian became owner of two (2) funeral homes in Oklahoma – Poteet Funeral Home in Pawnee and Chapman-Black Funeral Home in Cleveland.  Brian and his wife, Dixie, were married in 1999 and live in Cleveland with their two children, Brady (11) and Baylor (8); they attend First Christian Church.  Brian has served on the Cleveland City Council for the past seven (7) years, including terms as both Mayor and Vice-Mayor.


Larry Fair - Funeral Director's Assistant


Larry was born in West Helena, Arkansas and was raised about thirty minutes west in Forrest City, Arkansas. He served in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War before going on to earn his Master's degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Larry taught Government/Economics for 35 years and was also a football, track and golf coach. After retiring as an educator, Larry joined Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home because the opportunity arose and he saw the value in being able to help families feel welcome and comfortable during a very difficult time in their life. Larry and his wife, Melanie, have worked side by side at the funeral home since 2007, when she joined the funeral home staff. Larry and his wife are involved in their local church, The Father's House, and enjoy spending time with friends and family.

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Bill Hughes - Funeral Director's Assistant 


Bill has lived in Decatur most of his life.  He has been married to his wife, the former Jackie Pinkerton, for 56 years.  Bill and Jackie are members of First Baptist Church Decatur and actively involved in ministry. They share two sons, their wonderful wives, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is a 1961 graduate of Decatur High School and served in the US Navy for eight years during the Vietnam War. After his return to Texas, he worked for GAF, and lived in League City, Texas for eight years before moving back to Decatur in 1976. While working for Victor, Peterbilt and being self-employed for a while, he studied his Bible and found his calling, going on to earn a Master’s Degree in Theology. Bill completed his Doctorate in Ministry, from Andersonville Baptist Seminary in Camilla, Georgia in 2001. During his time in the ministry, he has served as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Director, Church Bus Ministry Director and driver, Children’s Church Pastor, and retired February 2018 after 22 years as the Assistant Pastor of a local church.  Following retirement, and wanting to continue to serve, Bill joined the staff at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home. In his spare time, when not involved with children’s activities or chasing their two rescue dogs, he rests up before the next ‘event’.  He enjoys watching high school football, studying and keeping up with the joys of home ownership.  

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Jay Bridwell - Provisional Funeral Director


Interpreting the idea of a family funeral home quite literally, Jay Bridwell became a member of the Hudson-Torres team in August of 2019, where he serves the communities of Wise County alongside his aunt and uncle, Melanie and Larry Fair.

A disabled veteran of the U.S. Army, Jay is a graduate of Bridgeport High School and the University of North Texas (BFA).  Many area residents may already know of him through his involvement with his father’s former newspaper business, The Bridgeport Index, where he spent several years on staff.

He and his wife of 30 years, Trish, and their 25-year-old son, Joshua, have lived most of their lives in Bridgeport; they are currently experiencing the ‘joys’ of renovating the home of Jay’s late grandfather, just east of town, with hopes of calling it their own in the near future.

When his closest childhood friend passed away in late 2018, Jay spent a considerable amount of time reevaluating his own priorities, ultimately concluding there couldn't be any greater -- or more humbling -- privilege than to serve others during what he considers their greatest time of need.

Shortly afterward, former schoolmate Jay Hudson provided exactly that opportunity when he extended the invitation to join the Hudson-Torres family on a part-time, as-needed basis.  Mr. Bridwell soon realized the expectations of his position would prove to be some of the most challenging, yet rewarding, he could ever hope to experience.  In fact, Jay found the work so fulfilling that he is currently training for his funeral director's license which, he believes, will permit him to serve the community even more effectively.

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David Garrison - Funeral Director's Assistant
Harriet Garrison - Support Staff


Harriet was raised in Bridgeport by her parents Jane and Edgar Cowling; her roots run deep as her grandfather Edgar P Cowling was born in Bridgeport in the 1800’s, working in the coal mines and the railroad company. David moved to Bridgeport, with his parents James and Ruth Garrison, during his elementary years. The Garrison family operated the Methodist Camp, in which David held many roles. Harriet and David both graduated from Bridgeport High School, and shortly after were united in marriage; they recently celebrated 51 years.
 
David and Harriet owned and operated White’s Auto in Bridgeport for nearly 20 years. During that time they were very active in their community. David volunteered with the fire department for over 25 years; he was Fireman of the Year several times and held many leadership positions. David also served on the Bridgeport City Council for over 12 years. During this time Harriet worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce. In 1989, Harriet went to work for the new doctor in town, Jon Walker. After 30 years, she still works part time for Dr. Walker and Wise Regional Health System.
 
David and Harriet raised two children, Wendy and Brad, who also graduated from Bridgeport High School. They are blessed with four amazing grandchildren, Makenna, Mallorie, Max and Brandon. They are active members of the Paradise United Methodist Church, serving on various committees and leadership roles. The Garrisons can be found cheering on the grandchildren at their many events, and when times allow, you will find David fishing and Harriet busy quilting.

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Melanie Fair - Administrative Assistant


Melanie was born and raised in Bowie, Texas, before moving to Bridgeport in the sixth grade, were she continues to live today. She comes from a newspaper background and spent years working at the Bridgeport Index, her family's publication. It was there that she developed a love for marketing and public relations.

In 2006, Melanie's brother and mother passed away, within two months of each other. This difficult time helped her realize the guidance that grieving families need while planning their loved one's funeral. She began working in the funeral industry in 2007, alongside her husband Larry. Melanie enjoys assisting families through the funeral process and providing a listening ear when they need it most.

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Cheryl Mosley - Administrative Assistant


Cheryl Mosley joined the Hudson and Torres Family Funeral Home staff in August of 2020.  She comes to us with experience having worked in a funeral home previously.  

Cheryl lives in Decatur with her husband, David Mosley.  They have three grown children and five grandchildren.  She is retired from Decatur ISD after 25 years of service.  Cheryl likes to stay busy and enjoys helping and serving other people.  

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