Dr. George Frederick Schudy

On November 13, 2023 the earthly journey of Dr. George Frederick Schudy came to its end. George took his last breaths surrounded by the love of his life, Judy Hazlewood Schudy, Judy’s sister Pat (who was like a sister to him), his children Elise, Richard, and Robert, and by Robert’s wife Yvette and daughter Sara. Those of us in the room immediately felt the indelible, spiritual imprint where he had been.

Dr. Schudy was the son of Fred and Florence Mae Schudy, who preceded him in death. He was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He graduated from The Kinkaid School in 1962, went on to receive his BS from Denison University, his DDS from Baylor Dental School, and his MS from the University of Missouri Kansas City.

He met his wife Judy in 1968 on a blind date, and they married in 1969. Theirs was a true partnership. It was grounded in shared Christian values, a desire to serve the community, and in devotion to family. Many of those who knew George observed that he would regularly remark on the blessings Judy brought into his life throughout their 54-year marriage.

The enrichment of a community that is possible when a team like George and Judy Schudy serve with purpose is exemplified by Houston Lynx Basketball, Inc. It was a 501C-3 they founded and directed, for many years. The program was an endeavor to help local high school basketball players develop their skills, both on and off the court, with the hope of obtaining college scholarships. The program provided coaching and tournament travel without charge. George actively coached the top team until 2016. In this position he worked with Coach Walter Gordy, who would grow to be like a 3rd son.

As an individual, as a husband, as a father, as a citizen, and orthodontist he lived and loved with great purpose. Very few endeavors did he find by stumbling upon them. Although he’d rarely, if ever, be heard saying he was anything but blessed with opportunity and aided by excellent people.

Decade after decade, George truly loved practicing orthodontics, He continuously sought to broaden and deepen his academic knowledge to better serve the patients. His contributions to the orthodontic profession over a lifetime reflect his discipline. He published 8 original articles, and lectured in the U.S. and abroad in Austria, Brazil, and Germany. He served as President of the Southwest Component of the Edward H. Angle Society, and President of the Texas Orthodontic Study Club (TOSC), which also awarded him the Trailblazer Award.

In addition to his professional achievements George also received personal recognition. At The Kinkaid School he was elected Mr. Falcon in his senior year and last year he received the Kinkaid Distinguished Alumnus Award. Previously he had received the Denison University Citation Award.

To encapsulate the theme and tone of Dr. Schudy’s life, I defer to the words of William “Chip” Stanberry, a fellow Kinkaid graduate and lifelong friend. In a toast at George’s 75th birthday, Chip said this “...when I think about your life, one thing stands out more than anything else: It is that you are, and have always been, purposeful. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your very purposeful life.”

George was deeply rooted, sturdy, evergreen, and vibrant. Around him grew an ecosystem in which others were permitted to flourish. He was a loyal friend, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, a scholar, an inventor, a coach, a mentor, and a true Christian. He greatly loved, and was loved, by those in his family who remain here. His family includes 7 grandchildren that grew out of the love that he and Judy shared. Noah, Gus, Ethan, Nora, Sara, Clara and Lucas called him “Poppi”.

Dr. George Schudy will always be missed, and never forgotten.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Schudy family.