William Oren Dudley

He was born December 11, 1936 in a little house on his Grandfather’s farm in Nauvoo, Tennessee to William David and Pauline Pike Dudley. He grew up in this small farming community surrounded by family in a home where the visiting Baptist preacher or the touring Gospel quartet were welcomed with hospitality and good food during their stay. After completing 8 years of schooling in a small country schoolhouse, he was bused into the “big city” of Dyersburg where he joined the Class of ’56 and made lifelong friends. It was there that he met Connie Canada who would become his wife and companion for 62 years. Their first date was a church hayride that was to change both of their lives forever. To this marriage were born four cherished children – Ron, Jeff, Dana and David.

As Bill struggled with the health challenges of the past year, he would tell every doctor, nurse, technician or therapist what a blessed man he was to have the family God had given him. He felt he had the best three daughters-in-law in the world – Kim, Wendy and Robin; the smartest and most beautiful grandchildren – J.D. and Sarah, Morgan, Rachel, Ayden and Tyler, Ryann, Brittany and Will; and the most delightful great-grandchildren – Charlotte, Holland and Liam. He also was deeply devoted to his brother Paul.

Early in Bill’s working life, his job kept him on the road most of the time, so he resigned and took a harder job at much less pay to be home with his family every night. He was a hard worker and was soon promoted to more responsible positions. His career in the oil and gas industry required the family to move to Houston in 1974 where his travels took him around the world. His favorite place to be was always home.

In retirement he enjoyed woodworking and quiet times at home. He made cradles for his grandchildren, which are now being used by great-grandchildren. His travel was limited to trips to national parks and meet-ups with friends from the Class of ’56 with whom he maintained a strong bond.

In lieu of flowers, please honor his memory by a donation to a charity that improves the lives of children such as St Jude Children’s Hospital, Arkansas Children’s Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children.