Harold Hudgins

Harold Hamilton Hudgins III, beloved husband, devoted father, accomplished military veteran, and gifted entertainer, passed away peacefully from natural causes on October 11, 2025, at the age of 82. Born in Oakdale, Louisiana, on April 23, 1943, Harold lived a life rich in service, creativity, laughter, and love.

Harold proudly served his country for 22½ years in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant (E-7). Thirteen of those years were spent as a recruiter, where his warmth, humor, and dedication inspired countless young men and women to serve. His leadership, discipline, and deep sense of honor left an enduring mark on all who served alongside him.

The driving force in Hal’s creative life was his remarkable talent for drawing. Born with an innate sense of form, order, and perspective, he displayed these gifts from a very young age. At just four years old, when given a set of colored pencils, he didn’t draw the usual stick figures of childhood, but instead produced a fully formed human body, complete with proportion and detail.

This early talent became a lifelong passion. Throughout his 22 years in the United States Air Force, Hal brought his artistic skills into his military service, illustrating for his squadron and infusing creativity into every assignment. After retiring, he turned his artistry into a rewarding side career as a caricature artist, later incorporating his drawings into his clowning and magic performances.

When he moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Hal embraced a new persona, “Old Doc ‘Haliday,’” the cowboy clown. He grew a full beard and a sweeping handlebar mustache, donned a wide-brimmed white hat, a fancy vest, and a pair of leather chaps, and completed the look with a set of toy “six-shooters” on his belt. On weekends, the Fort Worth Stockyards became his stage. Whether “slinging lead” in Wild West reenactments or sitting in the shade sketching caricatures of eager young “buckaroos,” Hal brought color and laughter to everyone who crossed his path.

Inspired by fellow clowns who wove simple magic into their acts, Hal soon found himself drawn to the art of illusion. In 2006, he joined the Fort Worth Magicians Club, and not long after, he began performing through local entertainment agencies, sometimes as a clown, sometimes as a magician, but always as a consummate showman. His keen attention to costume and presentation carried naturally from clowning into magic, and one talent agent described him as his “go-to magician,” praising Hal not only for his skill but for his polished, professional appearance. By 2010, he was performing full time, enchanting audiences at children’s birthday parties, restaurants, libraries, and school events.

Yet, as much joy as he earned through performing, Hal gave just as much back. He devoted countless hours to charitable work, entertaining children in hospitals, supporting medical research fundraisers, and bringing laughter to senior living centers. He taught magic, offered free lessons, and joined fellow magicians to perform at family events for military communities. Wherever he went, his pockets were filled with magical trinkets, always ready to brighten a child’s day. Even in the humblest restaurant, he would spot a family and, with a twinkle in his eye, conjure a moment of wonder.

Whether through his art, clowning, or magic, Hal “Doc Haliday” Hudgins lived to give. His boundless generosity, creativity, and humor touched thousands, leaving behind a legacy of joy, imagination, and love.

Faith was a steady compass throughout Harold’s life. Raised in the Church of Christ and Methodist faiths, he found his spiritual home at Mayfield Road Baptist Church. Music was another lifelong passion, with favorites including How Great Thou Art, Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You, and classic country western tunes.

Harold cherished Thanksgiving gatherings, storytelling, and time with his children, Susan and Harold, and his extended family, including Dave and Linda. He fondly remembered being welcomed for Thanksgiving by his former wife, Carole, with whom he shared warm memories of family and friendship.

Harold’s favorite places included Studio Movie Grill, Abuelos, and Paula’s, where he shared countless meals, laughter, and conversations with friends and family. Those who knew him will remember him as unique, witty, and generous, with a smile and spirit that touched everyone he met.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Pamela Jenkins; his children, Harold and Susan; his sister, Claudia; and many dear friends who will forever hold his memory close. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Katherine Hudgins, and his son, Jeffery Scott Hudgins.

“Before I left for Heaven, I used to hug you tight. When you need another hug, hold a blanket tight. When you really miss me, just know that I’m all right. I’m sending you my love hugs, morning, noon, and night.”

Rest in peace, Harold. Your laughter, love, and light will forever remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment or Mayfield Road Baptist Church.