William Earl Dudley, Jr.

William Earl Dudley Jr. was born on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day, 1929, in Ft. Worth, Texas, and passed into eternity on Sunday November 9th, 2025, in Oklahoma City. Bill was born to William Earl Dudley, Sr. and Virginia Pratt Waller. Bill was grateful for his parents and the loving family they created for he and his four siblings. He is survived by his sister Carol and brother Roger and wife Sheryl. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Virginia; his sister Mary and husband David Dwinnell, his brother-in-law, Joe Dwinnell, and his sister Joyce and husband Jim Brewer.

After high school Bill joined the marines and served for 5 years, mostly in San Diego. After his military career Bill volunteered with a special program to help a German village, where he worked with young people from all over the world. He explored his interest in becoming a psychiatrist while he worked at an institution in or near New York City and he enrolled in Austin Seminary for a short time. He graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. While pursuing his graduate studies, Bill worked as a postman. He also taught elementary and high school, but 6th grade was his favorite. Bill completed a Master’s Degree at the University of North Texas. Bill met Eileen Ferrell and they were married in the late 1950’s and had 3 children: Kevin, Royce, and Tom. Kevin is a musician and lives with his wife Valerie in Virginia. Kevin has a son Colin Dudley. Colin has a son Grayson and lives in Tucson, Arizona. Royce is a merchant marine, and he lives with his wife MaryLou in Oklahoma City. Royce has a daughter, Sheea who lives in Germany. Tom lives in Tucson, Arizona.

Bill moved with his family in 1970 to western Maryland, and his children were the first non-Amish to attend an Amish school. He was a professor at Frostburg State University from 1970-1992. During this time, he participated in dozens of workshops and retreats. At the New England Center for Personal and Organizational Development, he befriended the founder, Jack Canfield. Barbara Hurd and Jim Ralston (authors and professors) were just talking last week about what a gift Bill was to so many here in Frostburg. Barbara adds, “I know of few other people who lived their lives so deeply and richly and with such integrity as he did. I feel lucky to have known him and shall always treasure his wisdom.” Bill pursued a big dream in his early 50’s; he completed flight school and earned a pilot’s license.

Laura and Bill met in 1984 and were married in 1986 for 14 years. In 1991 they went to Nicaragua and adopted their son Cody. Their family lived in Dallas from 1992-1995. They worked together at Presbyterian Children’s Services as house parents. They moved to Oklahoma in 1995. Even after their divorce in 2000, Bill continued as a beloved member of Laura’s family. Bill’s son, Cody and his daughter, Samara live in Oklahoma City. Samara was devoted to her Boppa Bill, as she spent almost every weekend with him the last 4 years. Sunday was their special day to go to church and Barnes & Noble. Bill worked at the OCU law library until age 80. Lee Peoples, Associate Dean of Library & Technology OCU Law Library, fondly remembers Bill was funny, curious, and kind. Lee also remembers Bill’s excellent singing voice. In 2010, Bill embraced the opportunity to help raise his granddaughter Sheea. Fortunately, Bill was active and stayed in good health up until the end of his life. In his 80’s he drove to Tulsa to watch and support his niece, Erin Dudley’s dance company. Another time he drove to Texas for his great nephew’s high school graduation. The fall of 2023 he took The Heartland Flyer to Fort Worth. He thoroughly enjoyed the train ride, but he was even more thrilled to visit with his family: Carol, Debe and Michael (Carol’s daughter and son), and Michael’s son, Brighton.

Bill lived a life of service to others with his time, talent, and treasure. He loved his church and deeply valued their food pantry. One way you can honor his memory is to donate to the Church of the Open Arms Food Pantry at https://secure.myvanco.com/YN7B/campaign/C-YZX2