Roper Funeral Home and Crematory 206 Holly St Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-7500 (706) 253-0040 www.roperfuneralhome.com Hugh Thomas (Tom) Judkins, of Tate, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026 with family by his side. Coach Judkins was a lifelong educator and a coach of many different sports, most notably football and wrestling. He coached and taught in Pickens County from 1981 until the mid 2010s. Born on June 15, 1947, Tom was a native of Blount County, Tennessee. He was drafted while in college to serve in Vietnam. He served with the 101st Airborne in the A Shau Valley and was a veteran of the battle for Hill 937, also known as Hamburger Hill. He received a Bronze Star and a Distinguished Service Medal. Later in life he actively connected with his former fellow soldiers, attending reunions throughout the country, proud of the men that he served with. Following Vietnam, he attended Georgia College and State University. An avid fisherman, he studied Ichthyology before eventually earning an education degree in Science and Physical Education. Upon graduation, he began a 40 plus year career in education in 1973 at Putnam County High School. He and his family made stops in Baldwin County and Atkinson County before finally settling in Pickens County in 1981. His coaching career included football, wrestling, basketball, and track and field. He coached Georgia State Champions in both track and wrestling at his various stops. At Pickens High, Coach Judkins was involved in football, with two years as the Head Coach. He started the wrestling program at Pickens High School, and in the early days would oversee wrestling practice then head immediately to coach 8th grade basketball. While at Pickens High, he taught a variety of subjects, including science and math. Moving to the Physical Education Department, he was Department Head for many years. Coach Judkins then moved to his most rewarding work, teaching students job and life skills, eventually working with students with special needs and finding them employment and transitioning these students into the work force. Tom was preceded in death by his father H.G. (Jud) Judkins, mother Edna Kidd Judkins, brother Bill Judkins and sister Anne Sowders. Tom is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda, and children John (Stephanie) Judkins and Mary Judkins. He was a proud grandfather to his three grandsons Dylan Ball, Aidan Mullins and Foster Judkins. Additionally, he is mourned by his sister, Polly Tipton; niece, Erin (Justin) Jones; nephews, Anderson (Katie) Kerr, Greg (Michelle) Judkins and Jeff Judkins; along with extended family. Coach Judkins once told a co-worker contemplating a job change that "It's not the place that is special, it is the people." His family is grateful for all the people...the students, the coaches, the co-workers, the administrators, the athletes, the friends...that made this statement so true. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send a donation via Venmo to @pickenswrestlingboosterclub to help with the rising costs of participation fees for high school athletes. Coach Judkins was concerned that a student willing to participate wouldn't have the chance just because of financial situations and the wrestling boosters have graciously agreed to distribute those contributions to athletes in all sports. Services will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, 3:00 p.m. at the Jasper United Methodist Church. Interment will be October 8, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at Georgia National Cemetery with Military Honors. Arrangements are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.