Charles Edward Hudnell

“Life, if well lived, is long enough.” — Seneca

Charles Edward “Ed” “Eddie” Hudnell, 70, of Bourneville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, at The James Cancer Center at The Ohio State University, following a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Born on December 29, 1955, Eddie was raised in Bourneville and graduated from Paint Valley High School, where he played both football and baseball. Those early years shaped his lifelong love of sports, teamwork, and hard work; just some of the many values he carried with him throughout his life.

Eddie was a devoted partner, father, grandfather (affectionately known as Pap), brother, and friend. He is survived by his best friend and loving companion, Lorna Cottrill Miller, who stood faithfully by his side throughout his illness. He is also survived by his children, Shanda (Frank) Brown, Shawn Hudnell, and Shane (Stephanie) Hudnell; his bonus children, Chelsea (Michael) Craft and Charleigh and Chase Haley; and his first wife, Debbie Hudnell, who remained a loving and trusted friend in sickness and in health.

He is also survived by his brothers, Gregory, Michael, and Layson Hudnell. Finally, Eddie is survived by his greatest joy in life—his grandchildren they were the apples of his eye and the sparks to his life: Tylin, Braylin, and Aydin Scales, and Chase (Michaela), Addisyn, Emma, and Lilliyn Hudnell. Nothing made him happier than cheering them on from the sidelines of the sports they were involved in or just hanging out doing absolutely nothing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emma and Charles Hudnell; daughter, Chelsea Marie Hudnell; two brothers, Mark and Duane Hudnell; and a special love, Jenny Gregg Haley.

Eddie was a jack of all trades and never afraid of hard work. Over the years he worked at a meat packing plant, as a grain mill operator, and in landscaping, but he found his most rewarding work as a janitor and maintenance technician at Paint Valley High School. There, he built lifelong friendships with co-workers and watched generations of students grow from teenagers into young adults. Even if he wasn’t in the classroom, he had a quiet but lasting impact, always ready with advice, encouragement, or a helping hand.

He loved cheering on the Cincinnati Reds, the Bengals, and The Ohio State Buckeyes. In his younger years, he enjoyed bodybuilding and woodworking, and he could fix just about anything. He was also an accomplished euchre player, earning many trophies and cash rewards before that hobby fell to the wayside.

Above all, Eddie loved the outdoors. Fishing brought him his greatest peace and sense of relaxation, especially trips to Lake Erie, though Paint Creek would do just fine. His yearly fishing trips with his grandsons was a tradition he looked forward to the most. He reveled in the excitement that it brought to him and the boys and the memories that they could one day share with their families.

Eddie spent many years coaching youth baseball, teaching kids more than just the fundamentals of the game. He taught character, teamwork, heart, and sportsmanship. He was just as passionate in the stands, always front and center as his grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader at any game or event they took part in.

To know Eddie was to love him. Eddie wasn’t one to sugarcoat things. You always knew exactly where you stood with him. He spoke his mind, stood firm in his convictions, and could be stubborn when he believed he was right. But beneath that tough exterior was unwavering loyalty, a dependable heart, and a man his family and friends could always count on. He showed his love not just in words, but in actions; by showing up, lending a hand, and standing beside the people he cared about no matter what. And that is what he will be remembered for the most.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to those who were especially dear to Eddie: Judi Gregg, his Aunt Wanda Nash, and his special extended family, Lily Campagne, Aerie Miller, and Ali Cox for their love and support.

Funeral services will be held at Noon Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Smith-Moore-Ebright Funeral Home, Bainbridge, with Lew Ewry, Michael Craft and Judy Gregg speaking. Burial will follow in the Twin Township Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10 am until Noon on Monday.