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Bill Dudley Obituary
He had a massive stroke Saturday and was admitted to Lynchburg General Hospital, son Jim Dudley said Thursday. He said his father had not been ill before the stroke and died in his wife's arms.
"Bullet" Bill Dudley was a runner, passer, punter, kicker and defensive back during his nine-year NFL career, highlighted by his 1946 season in which he was the league's Most Valuable Player. While with the Washington Redskins, he shared an apartment with NFL great Sammy Baugh. Dudley later served in the Virginia Legislature.
"He lived to a high standard," Jim Dudley told The Associated Press. "He was devoted to service and having a positive effect on those people he associated with, and he did. If that's the measure of greatness, he was a great man."
Dudley starred in college at Virginia and wa s the No. 1 overall draft choice of the Steelers in 1942. He played three seasons with Pittsburgh, a stay interrupted in 1943 and 1944 because of Army service during World War II. He later played three years with the Detroit Lions and three with the Redskins, ending with his retirement in 1953.
The year after his MVP season, Dudley scored 11 touchdowns - on seven receptions, two rushes, a punt return and an interception return.
Born in Bluefield, Va., Dudley played at 5-foot-10 and 182 pounds. He was not especially fast, but he earned his "Bullet" nickname because he always hit his target.
He was 16 when given a scholarship to Virginia and 19 when he cemented his status as perhaps the greatest athlete in school history. As a senior in 1941, he had a hand in 206 of the 279 points the team scored on its way to an 8-1 record. He was an All-American and winner of the Maxwell Award as the nation's top player. He was fifth in Heisman Trophy balloting.
Dudley was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1956, the Pro Football Hall of Fame 10 years later and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1972.
After his playing career, he entered the insurance business with his brother, Jim, and also served four two-year terms in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1966-75.
In 1990, The Downtown Club of Richmond began presenting the Dudley Award to the top college football player in the state, and Dudley usually made the presentation. He was in attendance Dec. 8 when Virginia Tech's Cody Grimm won.
Dudley and his wife, Libba, celebrated their 62nd anniversary in July and lived in Lynchburg since 1950.
In addition to his son and wife, he is survived by daughters Jarrett Millard and Rebecca Stinson. The Dudleys had another son, William, who died of leukemia at age 6 in 1954.
Visitation is Sunday at Diuguid Funeral Home in Lynchburg. The funeral is Monday at Holy Cross Catholic Church.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
51 Entries
Crosby Family
February 10, 2010
Our prayers go out to the Dudley family, I would like to express our condolences at this time to your family, I have found the bible to be a source of encouragement; the scripture I would like to share with you is from Revelation 21: 4 “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
LOWELL SMITH
February 9, 2010
I SAT NEXT TO BILL DUDLEY ON AN EASTERN AIRLINE FLIGHT, RICHMOND ATLANTA FT LAUDERDALE. WHAT A NICE PERSON.WE INTRODUCED OURSELVES AND I HAD ONE OF THE NICEST EXPERIENCES AND GOOD CONVERSATION THAN I HAVE EVER HAD. I AM 84 AND HAVE FOLLOWED HIS CAREER SINCE HIGH SCHOOL.I AM LUCKY TO HAVE ASSIGNED THAT SEAT ON THE AIRPLANE. SORY FOR YOUR LOSS
Stephen Dudley Haner
February 8, 2010
On hearing the news my dad, Byron Haner, instantly remembered a pickup basketball game with Bill Dudley at Graham High School, probably just before the war. He also told me that he recalled that VPI had turned Mr. Dudley down thinking he was too small to play football. Bet they regretted that fairly quickly. Perhaps the Holies only wish he considered VPI first.
About that same time my dad had just started dating my mother, Anna Belle Shufflebarger, a distant cousin of Mr. Dudley's on her mother's side. There has always been something special about the people from Bluefield, on both sides of the line. A sad passing, but what a great life remembered.
Joe May
February 8, 2010
I regret to hear of Coach's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He guided me during my football career and extended sincere friendship in other areas of my life. I enjoyed our visits on numerous occasions.
How you can show support
KEN & MARY O'DANIEL
February 8, 2010
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE DUDLEY FAMILY,STEELERS FANS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR. DUDLEY.
Staycie
February 8, 2010
I'm very sorry for your loss. Please allow the Bible's promises for the future to bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Penny Paoliello
February 8, 2010
Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Antonio
February 7, 2010
Dear family of Bill Dudley I am so sorry for your lost, let me share a scripture with you at James 4:8 were it says draw close to god and he will draw close to you. I will keep the family in my prayers.
Jayden Black
February 7, 2010
Dear family I am soory for your liss.Please find comfort in the words in the Bible.
Ted Morrison
February 7, 2010
Bill was my deskmate during his last four years in the Virginia House of Delegates. He was such fun, yet he was also a serious minded and very effective legislator. He will be remembered for his public service as well as for athletic achievements. My heartfelt sympathy to Libba, Jarrett and all his family.
slash steel
February 7, 2010
Bill played football when it was at its best. A hardcore two way sport, that obviously Bill excelled at. Steeler Nation reckognizes its great loss, and we send our deepest condolences out to Bill's family and friends.
slashsteel
BILL BURNETTE
February 7, 2010
Dear Libba, I remember Bill during the Ferebee years and we enjoyed some fun times as well on the golf course. He was very special and I admired him greatly.
Betsy joins me in extending our deepest sympathy to you and your family. God bless. Bill Burnette
Bill Lang
February 7, 2010
I still remember playing against Mr. Dudley in a Virginia Varsity/Alumni football game and being amazed at his athletic abilities even then 20 years removed from his Maxwell Trophy days. He was a staunch supporter of all things UVa and will be greatly missed.
Jennings Culley
February 6, 2010
Dear Libba. Scottie joins me in sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family. In my youth, I marveled at Bill's great athletic ability. Later, I came to admire him as a consummate gentleman and a caring friend. Whether on the golf course or in a business meeting, it was always a delight to see him. We will miss him at the 55 Golfers outings. May God bless you and your family.
February 6, 2010
What a great man...I will never forget what the "Ole Coach" taught me about football...but more importantly what he taught about the values in life. Needless to say, he will be greatly missed.
Duane Bickers
tonia lehman
February 6, 2010
I had the great opportunity of waiting on Mr. Dudley and his wife when they ate at the restuarant I work at in Charlotte,NC. They were on their way to the Hall Of Fame induction in August 09. They were such a sweet couple and Mr. Dudley shared many stories of his career. May he rest in peace.
Debbie Morris
February 6, 2010
Dear Libba, Jarrett, Becca, and Jim,
Bill was a gentle-man and a true Virginian. He was always gracious whenever we met. I shall remember the last time I saw Bill and Libba. They were dancing gracefully with each other at Jarrett's wedding.
Our God is near to the broken hearted. HE will comfort you all.
Kevin
February 6, 2010
Sorry for your loss. We can look foreward to better times in the near future when there will be no more sickness and death and peaceful conditions. Psa. 37:10-11,29
February 6, 2010
Bill Dudley's high standards and his deep affection for his wife and school will always be remembered and admired. We shall miss his presence, but always remember not only his many achievemnets but remember the way he lived his life, with dignity, service and honor.------Betty & Turnley Todd (UVa ' 63)
February 6, 2010
Dear Libba, My sincere sympathy on your loss. I miss you down in Delray. It was always a pleasure to see and talk with such a beautiful and gracious lady. While I didn't know Bill personally, I know he will be missed terribly by you, your family and his many, many friends. My thoughts are with in this difficult time. Sincerely, Mary Kern (a walking acquaintance)
francis main
February 6, 2010
please folks,dont let your kids ever forget bill dudley.the greatest athlete ever at va,he was even a better man off the field.i met him at oakwood country club years ago and he loved playing cards .to his family i wish that his name will be remembered often and with a blessing ...god will take care of bullit bill now
Henryk Zaleski
February 6, 2010
The field is missing a player, rest in peace.
Barb
February 5, 2010
In your time of need(The Bill Dudley family) may the God of all Comfort. Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those in any sort of tribulation through the comfort with which we ourselves are being comforted by God(2corinthians 1:4)
Donna Francis
February 5, 2010
To the family of Bill Dudley: My father, Jim Averill was a good friend of Mr. Dudley’s growing up at Graham High School in Bluefield. My mom, Lena Blankenship Averill was in his class and was also a good friend of his. My dad followed him all through the years and admired him so very much. He spoke at a Booster’s Athletic Club for my dad in Victoria, Virginia years ago. My sister and I always heard great stories about he and my dad and we were all so proud of his many accomplishments. My dad passed away 2 years ago when he was 89. My prayers are with you at this time! Sincerely,
Robert Carneal
February 5, 2010
My father, Russ Carneal, played football with Mr. Dudley at UVA, and I had the pleasure of meeting him at several of the 1941 Team reunions. Another great gentleman, and representative of an era, has passed.
Charles Frankel III
February 5, 2010
Dear Libba and family,
I cannot tell you just how saddened my mother, wife, and I were to learn of Bill's passing. As you know, from the time I came into this world through the present I knew Bill was in the room any time I would hear "Hey, Little Doc." We loved him dearly, just as we love you, and we will miss him tremendously. What a wonderful man and loyal friend he was.
God's blessings.
Charlie
Frank Maloney
February 5, 2010
Bullet Bill was the best. My thoughts go out to all the Dudleys and all Wahoos! #35 will be greatly missed!
Joe Graham
February 5, 2010
I received one of the greatest favors of my life when Bill recommended me for admission to UVA--he was a wonderful man who lived fully. Deepest sympathies to his family.
harry maxwell
February 5, 2010
thank you(bullet bill)for being a good man!bless your family.
February 5, 2010
Valere Roy
Patrick McGraw
February 5, 2010
To the family and friends of Bill (Bullet Bill)Dudley: I will always remember the great days of the early Pittsburgh Steelers and the great Bullet Bill who meant so much to the Steelers and Pittsburgh. My deepest sympathies. May he rest in peace and I'm sure he and Art Rooney are enjoying their heavenly reunion in God's Hall of Fame.
Kevin Michles
February 5, 2010
A Steeler through and through. A friendship that has lasted decades. You will be missed.
My love & regards to the family.
geraldine talley
February 5, 2010
rest in peace and god bless you and your family.
Bob White
February 5, 2010
I will always remember Bill Dudley on the right side of the grass!
Sondra Metzger
February 5, 2010
A REAL man of "steel". I had no idea, and am in complete and total awe. Thank you, Mr Dudley, for all you have done for your community, your country and the Steeler Nation. My thoughts and prayers to your family at the loss of such an inspiring person.
louis carwell
February 5, 2010
Rest in peace and God Bless you and yuor family Bill Dudley.
February 5, 2010
It is so sad when you hear of a fellow steeler passing away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
February 5, 2010
To the Dudley Family:
We are so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. We opened the Boston Globe today to see a beautifully written piece on Bill's life. Our Dad and Husband, Irwin (Tony) Lakin played football with Bill at UVA, and our Dad and Husband (who passed away in October 2002), always talked about Bill and admired and respected him greatly. The football reunions were so very enjoyable and meaningful to all who attended. Bill had written Irwin just before our Dad and Husband passed away and we knew Irwin would cherish taking some of Bill with him, so we placed Bill's very kind note in with Irwin as he passed through to God. May they enjoy many wahoo's in their next life.
Again, so sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you.
Dorothy Lakin
Mary Ellen Lakin
Karen Lakin Cipolla
The Jones Family
February 5, 2010
We are deeply saddened over this great lost. Please accept our condolences and sympathy. May God give you the strength to carry on and may you find comfort from His Word, the Bible. 1 Pet. 5:7
Susan and Randy Reynolds
February 5, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
February 5, 2010
Jim, we were saddened to learn of your father's death - but glad that you have been with your parents. We've missed you on recent trips to the Colony. Our sincere sympathy to your family.
Anne and Sam West, Chester, VA
February 5, 2010
Dear Lib:
I saw Bill's obituary on the internet - I am so sorry. I know that you had a glorious life together - you have my total sympathy. -
Robin Abernathy
Skip Ewing
February 5, 2010
Jimbo..My thoughts are with you. Lets reconnect sometime. Take care in prayer brother,Skip
February 5, 2010
we were so shocked and saddened. all of us are traveling, beth is moving to texas with bill helping her. kay and i are en route by car to a conference in new orleans. will try to make it in.
bill was such a tremendous influence upon my life, i owe much to him. jim dudley and family
Catherine Carnahan
February 5, 2010
Sincere sympathy, Mrs. Dudley on the loss of your husband. When you and Mr. Dudley came to Mass at St. Lucy's in Highland Beach, Monsignor Garland was, at times, offering the Mass. Monsignor was always so pleased to see both of you. Monsignor passed away in June of 2008 in Pittsburgh. I came back to Florida to sell our home and return to that great City of Pittsburgh. I will remember 'Bullet Bill' (as Monsignor called him in referring to Mr.Dudley)when I assist at Mass here in Florida on Monday. I
will remember you and the rest of your family as well.
Sincerely,
Catherine Carnahan
R Golay
February 4, 2010
To the the family of Bill Dudley - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow,I know that Bill will be missed by many.
laura mckinney
February 4, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Mrs.Bobbi G.
February 4, 2010
To the Family of Bill Dudley,
You can think that Death can leave a heartache that nothing can heal, just know that Love can leave a memory that no one can steal.
I am so sorry for the sudden death of your dear loved one. Please hold on to the many memories that Bill most have shared over the years, with family and friends.
Psalms 34:18-"God is near to those that are broken at heart, and those who are crushed in spirit he saves."
From a Stranger who truly cares.
Russ and Donna Achilles
February 4, 2010
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and father. We pray that your memories give you comfort and faith provides you with strength during the days ahead.
Beyond his amazing athletic skills, Bill was an honorable man who set an outstanding example for others to follow. Pittsburgh Steeler fans, Pittsburghers, and high school, college and professinal football fans feel sadness as we have lost an all-time great football player. We also are in Bill's debt for his military service during WWII.
Rest assured that He is in Heaven, with no pain, and, that He has 'Touched the Face of God.' You have our deepest sympathy, Amen!
Rob Hunter
February 4, 2010
He was a great guy. The world will be a lesser place without him . Of all the attributes that can be said of Bill, the best is that he is in the Hall Of Fame of America's Greatest Generation.
Jim Smith
February 4, 2010
Bill always gave freely of his time and knowledge to both high school and college atheletes, he was never to busy to give an interview or to shake hands with fans. His unselfish nature and enduring loyalty to UVA will stand as benchmarks for others to live by for years to come. Thanks Bill, for all of the memories that you have brought us.
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