James Douglas “Doug” Hudspeth, 84, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at his home in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, September 7 at First Baptist Church in Louisville with Dr. Health Hillman officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at the church from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in Murphy Creek Cemetery.
Doug was born to Jesse James and Wabie Hudspeth on May 28, 1942. He grew up in Louisville before moving to Pearl, Mississippi, during high school. He graduated from Pearl High School in 1960. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Frances Diann Marsicek.
In 1974, he started his auto parts business, Rebel Auto Parts, and ran it until 2018 before retiring. What started as a small inventory in a rented building grew, through his determination and hard work, into a thriving business. Diann worked alongside him throughout the years, and the employees of Rebel Auto Parts were like family. Doug was past president of the Mississippi Automotive Wholesalers Association. He also served on the advisory committee for the Automotive Jobbers Warehouse for many years. Through the years, Doug also acquired several other businesses.
He helped many people over the years that no one ever knew about and mentored many young men teaching them good work ethics.
Doug was a man of strong faith and a devoted member of First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and on several committees. He loved the Lord and his church family. His faith was an important part of his life and the foundation upon which he built his family and his relationships with others.
Doug and Diann loved to travel and were blessed to see much of the world together. He enjoyed piddling in his shop, restoring vehicles, working in his yard, and spending time at their cabin on the Tombigbee River. One of his favorite projects was building a kit car, Shelby Cobra, of which he was very proud.
Of all the things Doug enjoyed in life, nothing compared to his family. His greatest joy was being a husband, dad, and especially “Pop Pop.” He and Diann traveled numerous miles to watch their children and grandchildren at football and basketball games, archery matches, recitals, birthdays, Grandparents’ Days, baptisms, and all the other moments that mattered to them. He spent many weekends taking their children and their friends boating and skiing. How he loved his grandchildren and they loved him. One of Doug’s greatest wishes was to see his grandson, Gunner, coach football. Sadly, Doug became ill and was not able to do this. Doug worked hard but he also loved to play.
Doug is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Diann Marsicek Hudspeth; his two children, Mark Hudspeth (Tyla) of Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Lea Roberson (Jimmy) of Louisville; and his seven grandchildren, Gunner Hudspeth, Nicole Roberson, Carley Hudspeth, Britni Roberson, Major Hudspeth, Captain Hudspeth, and Rocky Hudspeth, who lovingly called him “Pop Pop.” He is also survived by his sister, Gayle Coffman (Rick); his brother, Randy Hudspeth (Carol); his sister-in-law, Billie Hudspeth; along with loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Mickey Hudspeth; and his sister, June Frazier.
Serving as pallbearers are Gunner Hudspeth, Major Hudspeth, Drew Hudspeth, Bradley Amon, Jeremy Hill, Brantley Williams, Brett Williamson, and Clay Williamson. Honorary pallbearers are the deacons of First Baptist Church and members of the Social Security Club.
Memorials in honor of Doug may be mailed to Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter, PO Box 456, Ridgeland, MS 39158 or given online at alz.org.
The Hudspeth family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Gentiva Hospice family, especially nurse Melissa Flake and Ashley Lewis, for the compassion, kindness, and loving care they provided.
A very special thank you is also extended to Buddy Rogers, Doug’s longtime friend, companion, and caregiver. Buddy’s friendship and unwavering care meant so much.
.png)
.jpeg)
