Richard Alan Dudley

Richard Alan Dudley of Cumming, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025, after a courageous and brief battle with cancer. He was 75 years old.

Born on April 12, 1949, in Bethesda, Maryland, Alan was the son of the late Charles Clifford Dudley and Ann Lee (Edwards) Dudley.

To honor Alan’s memory, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at John’s Creek Presbyterian Church on January 21, 2025 at 2pm. A reception at the American Legion Post 201 in Alpharetta will immediately follow. Alan will be laid to rest at the Georgia National Cemetery in a family service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Alan’s honor to the American Lung Association or North Fulton Community Charities.

Alan graduated from Yorktown High School in 1967 and went on to attend the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1971. After graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Army for five years, where he held key roles as an artillery officer with the renowned 101st Airborne Division, the First Battalion Rangers 75th Infantry Regiment, and the 24th Infantry Division. He earned several awards and decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Ranger Tab, Pathfinder Badge, Parachute Badge, and Senior Parachute Badge. He achieved the rank of Captain and was honorably discharged in June 1976, following a distinguished period of service.

Alan was previously married to Noel Theresa (Mullett) Dudley, and together they raised six daughters: Colleen (Joshua) Golden, Megan (John) Makarewicz, Melissa (Matthew) Dekar, Adrianne (William) Dudley, Kelly (Tony) Wilson, and Meredith (John) Crawford. Alan was deeply proud of his daughters and cherished his role as a father and grandfather. He is survived by his former wife, his daughters, 17 grandchildren, his sister, Katherine Ann (Dudley) Okada, and his brother, John Clifford Dudley. Alan was preceded in death by his brothers, Eugene Lee Dudley and Michael Charles Dudley.

Alan had a successful career in the healthcare industry, dedicating over 40 years to sales, product management, and the development of business and technology solutions. He retired in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and commitment to excellence.

In addition to his professional achievements, he found great fulfillment in giving back and serving others. He was a 15-year member of the American Legion Post 201 in Alpharetta. He served as Post Commander from 2020-2022, leading the Post through the COVID-19 crisis. As the chair of the baseball committee, he played a pivotal role in overseeing the complete renovation of the baseball field concession stand, guiding the project from its inception to successful completion.

Alan will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, his service to his country, and his strong work ethic. His life was defined by his deep love for his family, his sense of humor, his humility, and his sense of duty, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.