Norris Blake Dudley, beloved husband, father, educator and coach, died on June 29, 2024. He was 63 years old. Born in Ocala, Florida, he is preceded in death by his mother, Joanna Chamblin Porter, and his father, Hector McGee Dudley.
Blake leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Jean Bryant Dudley, and their three children- Chase Dudley (Rachel) of Minneapolis, MN; Chamblyn Dudley of Woodstock, GA; and Ethan Dudley of Canyon, Texas. He is also survived by his stepmother, Joyce Dudley of Cookville, TN; sister Denise Hall (Rich) of Myrtle Beach, SC; brother, Hector Dudley, of Athens, GA; and stepsister, Jennifer Knopf (Scott) of Louisville, KY.
Blake and Jean made their home in Cartersville, GA for the past 28 years, but were originally from South Georgia, where Blake graduated from Adrian High School. He went on to receive his BS degree in Education from University of Georgia and later earned a Masters’ degree from Kennesaw University. Blake retired this year from Cartersville City Schools where he spent 19 years at CMS. His career also spanned 9 years at Bartow County Schools Crossroads Academy, and 2 years at Johnson County Schools. A beloved educator and coach, Blake led the Cartersville High School Girls Soccer team to several Region Championships. He also coached the Cartersville Middle School Boys team.
Blake was well-known for his love of cycling. For 25 years he rode in the annual Bicycle Ride Across Georgia. He enjoyed working part-time at Cartersville Bicycle Sales and Service where he built and repaired bikes. He was always ready to share his knowledge and skill with those who shared his passion for riding. He died doing what he loved, mountain biking in the Pisgah Forest of North Carolina.
A visitation for Blake will be held Friday, July 5, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Dr, Cartersville, Georgia 30120, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.
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