Robert Lewis Dudley

Robert Lewis Dudley, 77, of Charlotte, North Carolina, and formerly of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away on February 14, 2026. Born on December 29, 1948, to the late Phebe Mahala (Lewis) Dudley, Robert lived a life marked by service, scholarship, and a deep commitment to the people and communities around him.

Robert earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University in 1970, followed by both his master’s degree and Ph.D. from Northern Illinois University in 1980. His distinguished academic career spanned decades and left a lasting imprint on students, colleagues, and institutions alike. He served as a professor at Loyola University Chicago and Colorado State University before joining George Mason University, where he became a professor, department chair, and associate dean. He retired as Professor Emeritus at GMU, a testament to his leadership, intellect, and devotion to higher education.

A respected political scientist and published author, Robert was an active member of the American Political Science Association and Pi Sigma Alpha. He also gave generously of his time to his community as a member of Fairfax Little League and the Vienna Rotary Club. An Army veteran of the Vietnam War, he carried the values of service and integrity throughout his life.

A loving father and grandfather, he delighted in his five grandchildren.

Robert’s curiosity and zest for life extended far beyond the classroom. He was an avid cyclist, golfer, and walker, and he found joy in music of all kinds—classical, rock, blues, and roots. His love of reading was insatiable, spanning professional literature, biographies, and fiction. He approached every interest with the same intellectual rigor and enthusiasm that defined his career.

He will be remembered most for his loyalty, integrity, and extraordinary work ethic. Robert cared deeply about people. He counseled students, mentored young faculty, and supported veterans beginning new chapters in their lives. His commitment to global engagement took him to India to work with graduate students and to Tunisia after the Arab Spring, where he met with academics to discuss democracy and political change.

As a Little League coach, Robert believed every child had a story worth celebrating, and he made sure they knew it. He was a gifted storyteller himself—precise with language, thoughtful in expression, and always ready with a meaningful anecdote.

Robert’s legacy is one of generosity, intellect, and unwavering dedication to others. He touched countless lives through his teaching, mentorship, and friendship, and he leaves behind a world made better by his presence.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Jorstad Dudley of Charlotte, NC; sons, Patrick Merton Dudley (Catherine Medd) of Matthews, NC and Michael Lewis Dudley (Allison Jane) of San Diego, CA; grandchildren, Samantha, William, and Charlotte Dudley of Matthews, NC; and Liam and Aiden Dudley of San Diego, CA.

A visitation will be held at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, located at 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, on February 23, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. The funeral service will follow at the same location, beginning at 11:00 am.

A committal service will take place at Salisbury National Cemetery Annex, located at 501 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury, NC 28144, on February 23, 2026, at 2:30 pm.