Dudley Pledger Schaefer

1934 - 2024

Dudley Pledger Schaefer, of Germantown Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on March 26, 2024 surrounded by his family.

Dudley was born in Memphis to Osborne and Martha Wood Schaefer on March 5, 1934.

After graduating from Central High School, he attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville before returning to Memphis to graduate from Southwestern. After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Joan Winter, his bride of 68 Years.

Dudley was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church, where he was known for passing out Beanie Babies to all the children.

Dudley worked in the millwork business for 64 years, beginning his career at Central Woodwork, moving on to start his own company Schaefer Sash and Door, before closing out his career at Grandview Window and Door.

Dudley was known to all for the love of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his love for his family, and the love for his beloved Vols.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joan, his parents, his son Paul Osborne Schaefer, and his brother Obby Schaefer.

He is survived by three sons Dudley Jr (Lynn), Scott (Susan), David (Kristen). He is also survived by his grandchildren Michael Schaefer (Rachael), Caroline Schaefer, Matthew Schaefer (Rheagan), Thomas Schaefer (Kaitlin), Carrie Schaefer Atkins (Hudson), Virginia Schaefer Robbins (Jake), Ashleigh Schaefer Parker (Tyler), Molly Schaefer, Heather Schaefer, Katie Schaefer, as well as 10 great-grandchildren. He also leaves his brother Billy Schaefer (Margaret) and cousin, Milton Schaefer of Winchester Tennessee.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10 A.M. followed by the service at 11 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Dudley's memory be made to the Memphis Union Mission.