Michael Stuart Dudley

He was born on December 10,1948 in Charlottesville, Virginia to Doris Estelle Whitlock and Lamont Dudley. As one of eight children, Mike’s siblings were woven into every part of his life; they worked together, played together, and remained one another’s closest friends through the years.

Mike married Diana Lin Gale in 1978, and they built a life together that spanned nearly five decades. Together they raised a large blended family and shared a lasting partnership marked by love, devotion, and resilience. Mike was a father to eight and loved to be surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and counted them among his greatest blessings.

Mike was a small business owner who enjoyed the daily interactions and familiar faces that came with serving his community. He also served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mike served quietly in various callings. He especially loved working with teenagers and teaching children in Sunday School, and he sought to bless the lives of others through simple acts of service.

Mike had a lifelong passion for classic cars and was a talented mechanic. He found joy in working with his hands, restoring and maintaining vehicles, and sharing that passion with others. One of Mike’s greatest joys was spending time fishing with his brothers.

Twenty years ago, Mike received the life-saving gift of a bone marrow transplant from a donor, Jason Bittel, of Murrysville, PA. Though they began as strangers, that selfless act created a rare and lasting connection between them. Jason’s generous gift gave Mike many precious additional years with his family and loved ones—a blessing beyond measure to all who had the privilege of loving him.

Mike is survived by his wife, Diana Dudley; his mother, Doris Whitlock Dudley; his children, Dana (Jared) Berg, Shayne (Christen) Dudley, Cori (Mike) Holloway, John Adams Hoyt (Reza Mahvi), Mychael-Ann (Jared) Pelo, and Dixie (Ben) Fentriss; his daughter-in-law, Kathryn Dudley, wife of his late son, Jay Dudley; his siblings, Lewis (Brenda) Dudley, Greg (Martha) Dudley, David (Glenda) Dudley, Laura (Tony) Herring, and Garrett (Jennifer) Dudley; 25 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, LaMont Dudley; his brothers, LaMont Dudley Jr and Richard Dudley; his son, Jay Dudley; and his infant son, Eric Dudley.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at 420 Willow Lawn Drive, Culpeper, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NMDP in honor of Mike and in grateful recognition of the life-saving gift of bone marrow donation.