Charles Hudspeth

11/07/1937 - 03/24/2024

**Professor Charles M. Hudspeth (November 7, 1937 - March 24, 2024)**

Professor Charles M. Hudspeth, a pioneering genius and esteemed educator, passed away on March 24, 2024, at the age of 86 in Mountain View, CA. Born on November 7, 1937in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, he made history as the first African-American student to graduate from Oklahoma City University in 1959.

Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Hudspeth settled in San Francisco, California, where he achieved numerous milestones. He furthered his education at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, majoring in Performance of Music from 1962 to 1963, and earned his Master of Arts in Music Performance Piano from San Francisco State University between 1973 and 1975.

A dedicated veteran, he served in the United States Army, contributing his musical talents to the 44th Army Band & Choir at Fort Ord, California, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina from 1960 to 1962.

Professor Hudspeth’s musical legacy lives on through the songs he wrote and recorded, including “Holding Hands” and “Deliver Me.” For over two decades, he inspired countless students as a Professor at the City College of San Francisco Music Department.

Above all his achievements, Professor Hudspeth cherished his role as a loving partner to his soulmate, Patience Scales, and a devoted father to her children. His passion for music, dedication to education, and unwavering love for his family will forever be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. Professor Charles M. Hudspeth leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Professor Hudspeth is survived by his loving sons through marriage: Mistro Ricardo (Rickey) Scales, Elder Glenn E Scales, and Danny (Dan) Scales; one brother, Kenneth Manous (Tex); one sister, Edwina Manous-Williams (Ok); God-sister, Betty Chin; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, greatgrandchildren, and great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for the late Professor Charles M. Hudspeth will be held on Friday, April 12th at 11am at Third Baptist Church, located at 1399 McAllister Street in San Francisco, California. A viewing will take place from 10am to 11am prior to the service at the church.

Entombment will follow at Italian Cemetery in Coma, CA

Arrangements entrusted to Dan Scales at Alta Vista Cremation and Funeral Services, Pittsburg, CA at (925) 439-5922/dsavfs@att.net