George Wayne Dudley: Whiteville
1942 – 2025
George Wayne Dudley of Whiteville died Saturday, Feb. 1, in Duke Medical Center, Durham. He was 82.
Born in Columbus County he was the son of the late George Edward Dudley and Marble Marie Simmons Dudley.
George served in the United States Marine Corps from 1961 to 1965. After an honorable discharge from the Marines, he began his law enforcement career by joining the Whiteville Police department. He continued his career with the Columbus County Police, followed by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Department. He was the first law enforcement officer from Columbus County to train at the F.B.I. Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Throughout his career he served in various roles, such as, patrolman, detective, and information technology. His law enforcement career spanned a total of 37 years. He and his brother, Gene, established an electrical business, Dudley Brothers, Inc., which was in operation for more than 30 years. George also served as the secretary / treasurer of Beaverdam Original Free Will Baptist Church for more than 40 years. Additionally, he served many years as a deacon at Beaverdam and approximately 20 years as chairman of the deacon board.
He is survived by his wife, of 63 years, Mary Louise Graham Dudley of the home; one daughter, Anita Dudley Harrelson and husband William of Whiteville; a brother, Gerald Reid Dudley and wife Cindy of Chadbourn; one sister, Barbara Dudley Alexander of Durham; daughter in law Peggy Sue Dudley of Chadbourn; sister-in-law Juanita Sellers Dudley; three grandchildren, Daniel Wayne Dudley and wife Allison of Garner, Nathan Carl Dudley and wife Meagan of Lake Waccamaw, Jenna Louise Harrelson of Whiteville; two great-grandchildren, Phillip Wayne Dudley and Oliver Graham Dudley, both of Garner.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Darryl Wayne Dudley; and two brothers, Harold Gene Dudley and Terry Delane Dudley.
Visitation was planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, in Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory, Tabor City.
Funeral services were planned for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, in Beaverdam Original Freewill Baptist Church, burial following in McPherson Cemetery, Chadbourn.
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