James Hudson ("Hud") Mankin

James Hudson “Hud” Mankin, hit his final home run at the age of 19, rounded third base and slid safely into home Wednesday, March 30th.  There to greet him crossing home plate were Mamalou and Papa-H, Nana Ann, Nana Pat, Doc, and Kelly - undoubtedly surprised he did not get to reach the bottom of the ninth inning of life. NAFO #19 is now forever 19 and forever loved.

Born in Pineville, NC  and raised in Fort Mill, SC, Hud loved his family and friends, one of his favorite places to be was home amongst family and friends laughing and joking it up as he often did. Hud was a gifted athlete: whether it was axe-throwing, mountain-biking or playing ball, he was a natural and put in many hours of practice and hard work over the years. While Hud was an avid snowboarder, his most notable sport was baseball. Hud played school, recreation and travel ball for 11 years where he was known for dominating from the mound as a leftie with a powerful arm. Hud is a 2021 graduate of Nation Ford High School and he worked at Autobell next to Carowinds where he earned the “Employee of a Lifetime” award for always showing up cheerfully and offering a “top of the morning” to his co-workers.

Hudson is the "One of a kind" son of Karen Paris and Jason Mankin, best friend (“bubby”) and brother to Madelyn Mankin, and is survived by grandparents Jim and Brenda Israel, Aunt Kim Peatross, Uncle David and Roberta Mankin, cousins Allen Marion, Mike Smarro, Jack and Henley Peatross, Hannah Parker, Jake Mankin and a loyal “village” of friends.  Extended cherished families include Steele Creek Athletic Association, Carolina’s Baseball Center, Nations Ford High School, Carolina Impact baseball families, and of course, his fabulous Autobell family.

Hud has touched so many lives and even in death his ripple will continue to positively impact others. Hud will be remembered for his kind heart, quirky-nature, quick wit and loving soul, and perhaps his love of gaming (PS4, anyone?) and for reaching Level 35 on Pokémon Go.  He had a pretty filthy curveball as well! And, his final gift to his beautiful and loving little sister was finding the spare key to the car they shared that had been lost for months.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Hud’s amazing life at 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 9th at the Horse Trial Barn at the Anne Springs Greenway 195 Adventure Road, Fort Mill, SC 29715.

Dress casually - we welcome baseball jerseys, Pokémon, Hello Kitty, Power Ranger T-shirts or anything that reminds you of Hud. If possible, please come with a picture, memory or story about Hudson that will be shared with his family in a keepsake box.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emerald School of Excellence, the first recovery high school of the Carolinas (www.emeraldschool.org) or Anne Spring Close Greenway (ascgreenway.org)