Willard Oliver "Boots" Dudley, 89, went home to be with his Lord on Monday February 1, 2021. Born in Altavista on January 25, 1932, he was a loving and devoted husband of 63 years to his wife Catherine A. Dudley, of Evington and loving father to his son Jeff Dudley, of Wake Forest, NC.
He was the son of the late Roy Dudley and Lizzy Hall Dudley. Willard is preceded in death by his siblings, Stan Dudley and Erma Jarmin, and his cousin Wallace Camper, who was like a brother.
In addition to his wife and son, he is survived by a beloved granddaughter Lauren Taylor Dudley of Wake Forest, NC, along with numerous nieces and nephews including one special great nephew Coty Abbott (his "little buddy").
A member of the U.S. Army, Willard was a decorated Korean War Veteran receiving two bronze stars for his service. During the war, he served with a fellow soldier and best friend Gerald Bowles. The two soldiers reunited years after the war and remanded best friends. One of their daily highlights was to meet for breakfast at Hardees.
"Boots" will always be remembered for his kindness and loving heart as he was a friend to many and loved by all.
A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Monday February 8, 2021 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with reverends Jeff Chapman and Gary Davis officiating. A graveside service will follow at Evington United Methodist Church Cemetery. Visitation will occur from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.
To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.
Whitten Timberlake Chapel is serving the family, (434) 239-0331.
