Mr. William M. Studdard Jr.

Mr. William Marvin Studdard, Jr., age 91, of Commerce, GA died Friday, February 27, 2026 at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center. Mr. Studdard was born September 11, 1934 in Eatonton, GA to the late William Marvin and Arlie Davis Studdard. In addition to his parents, Mr. Studdard was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Dixie and Martin Melton.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Commerce where he served as a deacon. Mr. Studdard served three years in the United States Marine Corps. He attended Brewton Parker College and graduated from Piedmont College on a baseball and basketball scholarship. Later, Mr. Studdard graduated from American College of Life Underwriters, Bryn Mawr, PA and The Institute of Insurance Marketing, LSU. He owned and operated Studdard State Farm Insurance Agency for 37 years. Mr. Studdard was very civic minded and served his community as past president of Northeast GA Chapter of CLU, past president of the Commerce Kiwanis Club, past president of Piedmont College Alumni, served two terms on the Commerce Board of Education and served on the Board of Directors of First National Bank.

Mr. Studdard enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing and driving. He visited many foreign countries and had numerous road trips across our country-including driving twelve round trips to Alaska.

Mr. Studdard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rudene Alley Studdard of Commerce; son and daughter-in-law, Col. Ted Studdard, USMC (Ret) and Melissa Studdard; brother and sister-in-law, Athon and Vernette Studdard; and grandchildren, Alexis Elle Studdard and Ward (Caitlin) Studdard.

Funeral services will be at 12 PM, Monday, March 2 at First Baptist Church of Commerce with Dr. David Sapp officiating. Interment will follow in Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 10:30 AM until service time at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Commerce, 1345 S Elm Street, Commerce, GA 30529.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.