Harley Lorenzo Mudge Jr.

A Raleigh native, Harley attended Broughton High School and NC State University, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering in 1960. He spent much his working life at the NC Department of Transportation, retiring in 2000 as Assistant Director of the Equipment Unit.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed his involvement with civic organizations, first in the Raleigh Jaycees and later the Kiwanis Club of Raleigh. In recent years he was also an active member of Highland United Methodist Church.

Harley developed an interest in sailing when he attended Camp Seagull in the late 1940’s and afterward took advantage of every opportunity to sail that came his way. It was through their shared passion for sailing that Harley met his wife, Marilyn, in Oriental in 1983. Following their marriage in 1985, Harley and Marilyn spent as much time as possible aboard their boat. They came to think of Oriental as their happy place and relished their time at the second home they brought there in 2012.

Most of all, Harley enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: time with family, conversations with friends, telling stories (lots of stories), sharing a good meal, and woodworking with traditional hand tools. He will be remembered as a kind, generous man with a marvelous sense of humor and a ready smile and also as a man of faith who truly valued the people in his life.

Harley is survived by his wife of 38 years, Marilyn Mudge; son Tripp Mudge, daughter-in-law Joanna Mudge, and granddaughter Anna Charles Mudge, of Morehead city, NC; son Turner Mudge of Greenville, NC; and sister Melanie Mudge of Raleigh, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the music ministry of Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607.

A celebration of life for Harley will be held Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607. The family will receive following the service.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.