James William (Bill) Dudley of Trussville, born October 25, 1945, in Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on July 8, 2026. He was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all he knew. His first priority was always his family that he loved dearly. Caring for and loving his family brought him the most happiness and joy of anything else in his life. He loved nature and all of God’s creation, and he enjoyed sharing that love of all that is beautiful with his wife, his children, and his grandchildren.

Bill was a graduate of Banks High School in Birmingham, Alabama, and Christian Brothers College in Memphis, Tennessee, where he received a BS degree in Civil Engineering. He was a member of the Alabama Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers and was proud that he had maintained his Professional Engineering License for over fifty years. He spent most of his professional career at Earl Dudley Associates where he was Manager of Optical Tooling. He was proud to have served his country as a member of the US Army Reserves as a member of the 87th MAC. He was a member of Holy Infant of Prague Catholic Church where he was a 4th degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. His favorite pastime for much of his life was the Scouting program in which he was active as a youth. He shared that interest by first working with his daughter’s Girl Scout Troop. Later, when his son was a Scout, Bill served in many roles, including Pack Leader and Scout Master, with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of Troop 216 in Trussville. Bill was also an avid photographer. Thanks to him we have photos and videos of all of the milestones in our family as well as many candid shots of everyday life that keep memories alive. Finally, because Bill enjoyed sailing, he was a longtime member of the Birmingham Sail Club.

Visitation will be held at Holy Infant of Prague Catholic Church at 8090 Gadsden Highway, Trussville, Alabama, on Wednesday, July 15 starting at 10:00 AM and will be followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM. Internment will take place at the Columbarium at the church following the funeral mass.

Bill was pre-deceased by his parents, Earl and Elizabeth Fex Dudley; his brother, John Dudley; and his brother-in-law, Earl Gillespie. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pat Meeks Dudley; his daughter, Lori Dudley Theriot (Chris); his son, Michael Dudley (Emily); his grandchildren, Juliette Theriot, Evans Dudley, Pearlie Dudley, and Noah Dudley; his sisters, Jane Gillespie, Elizabeth Dudley, Mary McClean (Kevin), and his brother, Tom Dudley (Terry); his sisters-in law, JoyMcWhorter (Doug); Linda Meeks Meadows (Johnny), and many precious nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank Martin Juarez and all of the members of the PD Fight Club for their camaraderie and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity, to the Building Fund of Holy Infant of Prague Catholic Church, to the Parkinson’s Association of Alabama, Inc., or to the PD Fight Club.