Donald Bennett Dudley, age 83, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at his home in Fries, Virginia. He was born on December 27, 1940, in Rocky Mount, VA to Walter Bennett Dudley and Alpha Morris Dudley. Don grew up on a tobacco farm. After graduating from Franklin County High School, he took a job with Appalachian Power Company working with the engineers on the Smith Mountain Lake Dam project, which sparked his interest in land surveying. He was then assigned to Galax, VA to work on a similar project. Don fell in love with Grayson County and decided to stay in the area rather than be moved to another project. While working full time, he pursued his education to become licensed as a land surveyor in VA and NC. He partnered with Jimmy Zeh and opened two offices, one in Rocky Mount, VA and one in Independence, VA as Dudley and Zeh Land Surveyors. He later started Dudley and Associates, which he continued into his retirement at age 80. He worked with many wonderful people in his surveying business but especially enjoyed mentoring Justin Funk, who went on to receive his license and start his own business. He maintained many friendships from his early working days and enjoyed visiting with his friends and discussing old and new projects. David Phillips is a friend with whom he could do this.

Donald will be remembered as one who served his community not only as a land surveyor but in other capacities as well.  The caliber of his contributions as a professional Land Surveyor to Grayson County, Virginia were recognized on October 17, 2023, when he was awarded and commended a proclamation from the Grayson County Planning Commission for his distinguished exemplary service as a representing member of the Commission for the Providence District for a total of ten years (2013-2023). In his time of service, Donald helped to advise and develop the policies of Grayson County Zoning Ordinances. He also skillfully provided land boundary determinations for citizens who depended on his technical expertise and professional ethics of land surveying to protect the interests of everyone in land transactions.  It is evident that Donald was committed to the community, and his family appreciates the Proclamation from the Grayson County Planning Commission.

While Don loved surveying the land, he also loved working the land and became a Master Gardner.  He was also noted to have other hobbies throughout his life, such as restoring an old Ford Mustang and an Oldsmobile Cutlass. He enjoyed NASCAR races with his son and bluegrass festivals with his daughter. Donald will be remembered by his family as a hard worker who led quietly but fought mightily in everything he did, including in his final days of life. Donald was a soft-spoken, thoughtful, and mindful man while exhibiting his most distinct trait, selflessness.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents and his father and mother-in-law, Lee Edward Cooper, and Pauline Allman Cooper.  Also preceding his death are his sister and brother-in-law, Alta and Ernest Bayne, his brother, Gary Wayne Dudley, his brother-in-law, Richard Morris, and his baby brother, Cyril, and an infant sister. He was also preceded in death by a niece, Anne Tyree Dudley Russell, and nephews Gary Wayne Dudley II, James Gregory Handy, and Brad Worrell.

Survivors include his wife of over 63 years, Vicki, and children, Kevin Dudley of Galax, VA, and Lori Dudley of Roanoke VA. He is also survived by his sister, Excie Dudley Morris of Martinsville, VA, and his sister-in-law, Shirley Anne Tyree Dudley of Rocky Mt, VA.  Other survivors include his sisters-in-law and brothers in laws, Linda and James Handy of Rocky Mt., VA, Lee Edward Cooper, Jr and Marni Cooper of Roanoke, VA and sister-in-law Paulette Cooper of Goldboro, NC. He is survived by a niece Kelly Cooper Handy of Roanoke, VA and a nephew Clay Worrell of Goldsboro, NC, and a special great nephew, James Bryson Handy of Radford, VA.

A gathering of friends will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 1:00-2:00 PM at the Providence United Methodist Church in Fries, VA.  Rev. Phillip Vaughan will officiate at a private committal service at the Providence Cemetery at a later date.

The family would like to thank Jeff Wilson for his support in Donald's final days. In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to SPCA or a charity of your choice.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Dudley family.