Mr. Gudis earned a BSBA degree from Ohio State University in 1963. After graduation, he married the love of his life and college sweetheart, Karen McKinstry, and began his career in Southern California, where he served in marketing and management positions for two Fortune 500 corporations. In 1968, he founded a California computer leasing and marketing company, serving as its CEO for five years.
Mr. Gudis joined Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in Dallas in 1973 and retired in 1994 as CEO, International & Global Business, and Senior Vice President of EDS Corporation. He served on EDS' Board of Directors, as well EDS' seven-man Leadership Council, working with its members to direct the affairs of the corporation. Mr. Gudis had direct responsibility for EDS' global, commercial and international business interests, which included operations in more than 35 countries and approximately 50,000 employees. During his long tenure at EDS, Mr. Gudis had responsibility for building and managing the Communications, Transportation, Energy, Financial and Petrochemical market segments. As President of EDS World Corporation, he built and scaled the organization’s significant interests throughout the Far East, Europe, Middle East and Inter-Americas.
Mr. Gudis was involved at his alma mater at Ohio State for more than 30 years, serving on the Max Fisher College of Business Advisory Council. In 1998, he was the first recipient of the International Alumni Award by the Fisher College of Business. Mr. Gudis served on the Board of Directors of Identix Corporation, L1 Identity Systems Corporation, American Strategic Alliance Investments and the Board of Trustees of The Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs. In addition to serving on numerous charitable and business organizations, Mr. Gudis also served for 25 years on The Board of Trustees for The Episcopal School of Dallas (ESD), where he served as Chancellor. In 1985, he and his wife Karen established the Gregory Yale Gudis Memorial fund at ESD and the University of Southern California (USC) to honor the memory of their son, Gregory Yale Gudis, to provide financial assistance for deserving students with financial need.
After 45 years in Dallas, the Gudis’ relocated to Hilton Head, South Carolina, in 2017.
Mr. Gudis was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, Stonebriar Country Club, Wexford Golf Club and Rolling Rock Club. He was an avid outdoorsman, golfer, antique car enthusiast, boatsman and loved fishing and bird hunting with his close friends, son and three grandsons in Argentina. He will forever be remembered for his generosity, unwavering loyalty and many kindnesses to both family and friends. He will hold a constant and loving place in his family’s hearts.
Mr. Gudis is survived by his wife of 60 years, Karen, of Hilton Head, SC, and his son, Mark. He was the proud grandfather to Gregory and his wife Emma, Elliot and Graham Gudis. Additional family members include daughter-in-law, MaryGrace Gudis, nephews Heath (wife Emily) and Ashley Gulden (wife Maria), and sister Marilyn Seybolt. His son Gregory Yale Gudis preceded him in death in 1985.
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