William Guilford Gip Dudley, 81, of 438 Franks Mill Road, Staunton passed away Wednesday morning, January 19, 2011 at Augusta Health in Fishersville.
Mr. Dudley was born December 24, 1929 in Augusta County, the eldest son of the late William Arthur and Edna Reath (Fix) Dudley.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Dudley was preceded in death by two brothers, Patrick Dudley, Sr. and Charles Preston C.P. Dudley and a half-sister, Nell Allen.
He attended Beverley Manor High School.
Mr. Dudley served in the US Army during the Korean War, stationed in San Antonio, Texas. A Master Electrician, he founded W.G. Dudley Electrical Contractors after leaving General Electric in 1960, and remained active in the business for several years following his retirement in 1991.
A talented musician, he enjoyed playing bluegrass music, he was also an avid hunter and fisherman; loving the outdoors and gardening. Following his retirement, he began building furniture, and made some beautiful pieces for family and friends.
He was an active member of Union Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon, elder and trustee. He was a member of NRA, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and served on the Augusta County Board of Zoning Appeals.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Pauline (Price) Dudley; a son and daughter-in-law, William Guilford Bill, Jr. and Rhonda Dudley of West Augusta; two grandsons William Jacob and Daniel Amos Dudley also of West Augusta; a sister-in-law, Nancy H. Dudley and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Harlene and Charles Vest all of Staunton and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
A funeral service will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 21, 2011 in Union Presbyterian Church by Pastor Mark Wilson and Rev. Judy Hensley
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Active pallbearers are grandsons William Jacob and Daniel Amos Dudley, nephews Patrick, Jr. and Michael Wayne Dudley and friends Richard Benson and Matthew Blackwell.
There will be no public visitation.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.
It is suggested that memorial contributions be made to the Churchville Fire and Rescue Squad, PO Box 608, Churchville, VA 24421.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net