Pastor George Autrey Dudley

Pastor George Autrey Dudley, age 88, traded his earthly body in exchange for his heavenly wings on October 24, 2020. He was born at home in Vernon, Texas on February 22, 1932, to the late, Novey and Ludy Dudley. Brother Dudley was just at the young age of 16, when God put Luke 4:18 in his heart, without him knowing what it truly was. It was there that he was set on a path to answer the call and devote his life to ministry. He began his life of service as an evangelist for several years before becoming the Pastor of his hometown church in Vernon at the age of 19. He was then called to pastor a church in Scott, Ark., in 1960. In 1975, he and his wife Joyce, founded and proudly pastored Christ Church for 45 glorious years. Brother Dudley was not only a devoted servant of God, he was also a restaurateur, having owned Curley's BBQ, on 12th street. He and his wife Joyce served the best BBQ, footlongs, and hot tamales in town. As an entrepreneur he had many business endeavors, from selling insurance to founding Dial and Dudley Funeral Home, with his daughter and son in law. He was also a faithful member of the I.M.A. for over 40 years and proudly served on the National Board. He was honored to serve as Chairman of the Board for several years. There is no possible way to list all his accomplishments and the number of lives he touched. Brother Dudley treasured his family, his church family, and his many friends. Of all his titles and accomplishments, the one he was most proud of was "Poppy". His grandchildren were his world, and he was theirs. Whether it was Friday night sleepovers, dinners, holidays, BBQ in the back yard, or school functions he was there to share memories and be the patriarch to his family. He treasured life and lived every moment to the fullest. He loved hunting, fishing, and playing dominos with his family and friends. He is proceeded in death by his parents; sister, Dorothy Chandler; and brother, Bobby Dudley. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Joyce Dudley; three sons, Tim Dudley and his wife, Suson, Nathan Dudley and his wife, Wynnette, and Sean Dudley and his wife, Lynnett; daughter, Reynae Dial and her husband, Jim. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Brandon, Kristen, Mikayla, Hunter, Jonathon and his wife, Bethany, Annette and her husband, Nathan, Tod and his wife, Brooke, Lauren and Matt; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Taylor, Makayla, Madelyn, Megan, Garrison, Natalie, and Andrew; brother, Larry Dudley and his wife, Sandra and a host of cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and the entire church family. He will be laid in state Wednesday and Thursday from 10–7 at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. Celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 30, 2020, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home. To sign Brother Dudley's online guestbook visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com. We will be practicing strict social distancing and everyone will be required to wear a mask at any time in the building.