Ronald Dudley

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Ronald Tracy Dudley, 81, of Frederick, Maryland, on January 8, 2025, at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.. Ron was a man of boundless energy, unwavering dedication, and deep love for his family, community, and country. 

Born on May 12, 1943, in Birmingham, Missouri, Ron was the beloved son of Tracy Dudley and Helen Marie Dearman-Dudley. He spent his formative years attending a one-room schoolhouse, hunting and fishing for dinner, and working as a farm hand. From an early age, Ron showed a passion for life and a desire to experience all the world had to offer.

Ron married Sheila Janet Fendley-Dudley in 1964, with whom he shared a loving and devoted marriage until her passing. In his later years, he found love, companionship, and joy with his fiancée, Roberta “Bobbie” Killion.

Ron is survived by his children, Ronda TaRace Dudley of Frederick Maryland, and Derald Wayne Dudley of Towson Maryland, as well as his daughter-in-law, Kathleen Elizabeth Burley-Dudley. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Jacob Augustus Dudley and Lucy Marie Dudley. He is also survived by his brother Richard Lynn Dudley of Howell Michigan, sister-in-law Beti Jean Baker-Dudley, and nephews Jess Jackson Dudley and Marcus Jarrett Dudley. Ron is further survived by step-daughter Tiffany Killion-Flynn and extended family across Kansas, Missouri, and California. Ron was the cherished nephew of Wayne and Dorothy Dearman and Sina and Don Gage. 

Ron proudly served as a United States Marine from 1961 to 1983, achieving the ranks of Gunnery Sergeant, Chief Warrant Officer 3, and Captain. As a Mustang Marine, a distinguished officer who rose from the enlisted ranks, Ron embodied the values of dedication, leadership, and service. His career included two tours in Vietnam, two assignments in Okinawa Japan, and many domestic postings, including San Diego MCRD, Camp Pendleton MCB, Cherry Point MCAS, Casualty Officer in Macon Georgia, New River MCAS, Quantico MCB, Pensacola NAS, and Camp Lejeune MCB.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Ron transitioned to a successful career in Information Systems Management. Never one to sit still, he continued working as a contractor for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office until his passing.

Ron dedicated his time and talents to many community organizations, including the Frederick Rescue Mission, Master Gardeners, Heartley House, Habitat for Humanity, and Calvary Methodist Church (UMC). Those who knew him will fondly remember his kindness, energy, and commitment to helping others.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on February 1, 2025, at Calvary Methodist Church (UMC) in Frederick, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, friends and family can make donations to the  Frederick Rescue Mission or Heartly House.  For our remaining time on earth, please honor Ron's memory by housing the unhoused, feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, being kind to those less capable than ourselves, and protecting those who cannot protect themselves.  

We knew him as Ron, Ronnie, Dad, Papa, Gunny, and The Captain. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, fiancée, and friend who dedicated his life to serving others. His earthly departure creates an unfillable void but we take solace and rejoice in knowing he lives on in our hearts and in the compassion we show each other.

Upon his passing, Ron wanted his friends and family to know this: “It’s been a damn good ride. 

Thank you, love you, and Godspeed to you all. See ya on the other side. Semper Fi!”