I hadn't seen Dudley for years and was shocked when I found this obituary.  We shared many adventures back in the days he lived on Happy Hollow Rd.  We had barbecues that were things of wonder and I was given the honor of being the pit master at most of them.  I also helped him get his first bus driving job which was with Mel McDaniel who was a friend of mine at the time.  Life is fleeting, Rest In Peace old friend.  

Dudley and I were classmates at GHS, I remember his first days at school and thinking...I have never met anyone named Dudley. Turns out he was a friend magnet...any and everyone that met him became instant friends, and our friendship remained through school and for several years beyond until we each, as often happens, went on with our lives. Fast forward 30 or so years and we re-connect through Lorrie Davis Bennett...I call, we talk, and carry on a conversation like we had just seen each other yesterday. That’s when you know you have a true lifelong friend...we had several other conversations afterward and talking with Dudley was always like a breath of fresh air. Although we lived in different states, he was a constant reminder of happy memories and days gone by.
Rest Peacefully Friend...and Say Hello to The Buds that left before you...Peace and Comfort to your Mom, Sister, and all of the family and friends that will miss you dearly...You were one of the Good Guys that always left a smile on friends faces...

I have so many of Dudley, I have known him since I was 9 years old. I will miss him so much and remember all our trips back and forth from here to Texas, the days I would skip school to go hang with him until he said I couldn't do that I had to graduate. He was a good mentor and friend and I will always think of him everyday. 

We love you Dudley! You are a special cousin,  and we will miss you everyday.  Say hi to all our loved ones in heaven, and we will see you again. 

Love, 
“Butch” and Barbara
.

Dudley loves his tractor and his driveway, this pic is from one of the many times I had to go pull him off the edge of a cliff. Brother you will he missed

OH WOW! So sorry to see this - prayers for his family and friends! Remember him well from high school and he was a great guy. My brother has gained another great friend in heaven!

There is not enough room here for all the wonderful memories of a real friendship. If there was anything Dudley ever felt other than love for his fellow humans and love for his friends and family, nobody ever knew it. Always ready with a smile and a hug, he was a friend you could count on. I always felt safe with Dudley. And in those early years, that was a very big deal.  Sometimes months or even years could go by without being in touch, but the minute I saw him again, it was just like yesterday. His is the spirit we should all strive for. Love and joy. 

Dudley had a way of always making those around him full of joy. He was a friend who you always knew would be there no matter what. He had a way of making you laugh even in the toughest of situations. He could of wrote a best selling novel with his stories, and I have no doubt it would of been a best seller. You will he missed my friend. Thank you for loving my family, and thank you for showing me that no matter what life hands you there is always a reason to smile and laugh. 

My favorite memory with Dudley was while we were in the Islands.  We went to a fancy restaurant,  knowing I didn't eat meat he begged me to try a piece of his Filet Mignon... said if I hated it I could spit it out and he would eat it.  Which of course I did and he ate it.  After I gagged we laughed till it hurt.  I will miss our text and chats.   Miss you Dudley.  

Always remember Dudley as the happy don't give a darn kinda guy. Always willing to put his hand out to help. From time to time reminded me I was better than those around me to not let their negative thoughts get me down. Hope he's driving some one special around in heaven. 

OBITUARY

John Dudley Story

May 20, 1955 – July 26, 2019

Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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